Jekyll and Hyde quotes + analysis

Created by: CPev3
Created on: 11-02-19 15:13

View mindmap

Jekyll and Hyde
- Duality of Human Nature
  - Dr Jekyll
    - "Two natures that contended in the field"
      - He believes that good and evil should be separated from each other because he can't balance them well when they are mingled.
      - Stevenson uses the language of battle to describe the struggle between the good and evil sides of his personality.
      - Risks his life for the belief that "man is not truly one, but truly two" and can have these two sides separated. However he fails to fully separate these two ides as he's "radically both"
    - "A more than commonly grave front"
      - Stevenson's message is that reputations can't be trusted as they're based on appearances. The appearance of respectability hides a much darker truth about the reality of human nature.
      - He believes his hidden desires are far worse than they areas he's obsessed with appearing respectable. He has an excessive sense of guilt for what he sees as his faults, prompting him to create a potion to split is two sides.
        A criticism of the pressures Victorian society placed on people to appear respectable.
  - Mr Hyde
- Reputation and Secrecy
  - Mr Enfield
    - He understands the importance of reputation and so threatens to "make his [Hyde's] name stink from one end of London to the other".
      - Gentlemen were expected to have strong morals and be kind. This is why he pressures Hyde into paying for his crime- if a gentleman was seen doing anything disreputable, his good name would be ruined.
        Hyde is prepared to pay money, despite not needing to protect his reputation, to avoid a public scandal.
    - "The more it looks like Queer street, the less I ask"
      - He's wary of gossip in case it reflects badly on him.
      - Could be a comment on Victorian society- everyone knew that everybody else was secretly sinning, so didn't ask too many questions.
  - Dr Jekyll
    - "A load of genial respectability"
      - He has to hide his sins to protect his reputation. Shows how concerned he is with maintaining a gentlemanly reputation.
      - Creates Hyde to rid himself of the "disgrace" of sin. He's more worried about hiding his sins than dealing with them. Calls Hyde a "sea of liberty"- he feels free as Hyde as he can conceal his sins perfectly.
  - Mr Utterson
    - "If it came to a trial, your name might appear"
      - He's more concerned about preserving Jekyll's reputation than bringing Hyde to trial. The Victorian society valued reputation highly, making it difficult to know what people are really like, just as Utterson can't fully understand Jekyll's situation until he looks beyond his concern for reputation.
      - Stevenson's message is that reputations can't be trusted as they're based on appearances. The appearance of respectability hides a much darker truth about the reality of human nature.
- Science, religion and the supernatural
  - Dr Lanyon
    - "I am quite done with that person"
      - Shows that he's stubborn as he refuses to acknowledge Dr Jekyll's name. The fact that he is 'done with that person' shows that he doesn't forgive easily.
      - The language Stevenson uses is charged with passion and emotion. Repetition of 'I' in full quote illustrates that Lanyon feels he's in control of the situation and Jekyll.
    - "Scientific balderdash"
      - He, who deals with the science of the material world, cannot cope with Jekyll using scientific research to experiment with spiritual matters and go against religion.
  - Dr Jekyll/ Mr Hyde
    - "Temptation of a discovery so singular and profound"
      - Jekyll uses science to challenge the religious belief that people should try to lead a life free from sin, and tries to change human nature, which Christians see as God's creation.
    - "There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable"
      - Suggests that he is supernatural and doesn't belong in the reputable society of Victorian London. Repetition of 'something' exaggerates how deformed Hyde is, as Enfield can't quite put his finger on it.
      - People are disturbed by his appearance and cannot (will not) make sense of him which could reflect the way they've repressed their own dark side.

Comments

Amyslovehearts

Report Mon 18th March, 2019 @ 21:02

Great colour coding system, easy to use!

vannah22

Report Sat 27th April, 2019 @ 16:38

format isn't great :(

TomArinkov

Report Thu 6th February, 2020 @ 11:59

;)

17shepherdb

Report Fri 24th December, 2021 @ 23:43

This is great but i can't see all of the writing, it has been cut off.

Tobyhardesty

Report Thu 22nd February, 2024 @ 13:09

cold

Riya211

Report Tue 4th June, 2024 @ 04:19

### Duality in "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde"

Robert Louis Stevenson’s "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" is a profound exploration of the dual nature of humanity. Through the character of Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego, Mr. Hyde, Stevenson delves into the complexities of good and evil that reside within us all.

One of the most striking quotes from the novel is:

**"Man is not truly one, but truly two."**

This declaration by Dr. Jekyll encapsulates the central theme of duality. Jekyll’s experiment to separate his good side from his darker impulses results in the creation of Mr. Hyde, a being who embodies pure malevolence. The quote highlights the intrinsic conflict within human nature, suggesting that everyone harbors both virtuous and sinful tendencies.

Another significant quote is:

**"It was on the moral side, and in my own person, that I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man."**

Here, Jekyll acknowledges his awareness of his own dual nature. This realization speaks to the broader human experience, where societal norms often clash with innate desires. Stevenson suggests that repressing these desires can lead to catastrophic consequences, as seen in Jekyll's transformation into Hyde.

The novel's exploration of identity is further emphasized in the quote:

**"I learned to dwell with pleasure, as a beloved daydream, on the thought of the separation of these elements."**

Jekyll’s fascination with separating his good and evil sides reveals his desire to live a life free from moral conflict. However, this yearning for a clear delineation between good and evil is ultimately his downfall. Hyde’s emergence shows that attempting to eradicate one's darker side only gives it more power.

The transformation from Jekyll to Hyde is vividly described:

**"The most racking pangs succeeded: a grinding in the bones, deadly nausea, and a horror of the spirit that cannot be exceeded at the hour of birth or death."**

This graphic depiction of Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde underscores the physical and psychological torment of trying to separate one's dual nature. It reflects the pain and struggle inherent in suppressing parts of oneself, highlighting the futility and danger of such an endeavor.

Finally, the quote:

**"I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also."**

This statement by Jekyll towards the end of the novel encapsulates his tragic fate. His attempt to play God and tamper with his own nature leads to his ruin. Stevenson uses Jekyll’s downfall to warn against the perils of denying the full spectrum of human identity.

In conclusion, "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" uses the character's transformations to explore the inherent duality within humanity. Through powerful quotes and vivid descriptions, Stevenson conveys the complexities of good and evil, ultimately suggesting that accepting and integrating all aspects of oneself is crucial to avoiding destruction. The novel remains a timeless reflection on the human condition, resonating with readers through its exploration of identity, morality, and the eternal struggle between our better angels and darker impulses.