Discuss the ways in which Robert Louis Stevenson explores the theme of duality in the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Authors Avatar

Discuss the ways in which Robert Louis Stevenson explores the theme of duality in the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ was written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886 and knowingly or not he entwined it with the theme of duality all through the book. Evidence of this can be found all through the book, such as Dr Jekyll being kind, respectable and intelligent while Mr Hyde is brutal, despised and pure evil.

Duality can be described as ‘two fundamental principles, often in opposition to each other’ and this is found frequently throughout the book. Another way of putting it is that duality is ‘a classification into two opposed parts or subclasses’. This is important as Jekyll and Hyde differed greatly in attitude and form, showing duality.

Stevenson’s childhood is a big factor in the theme of duality. He suffered from breathing problems, was undernourished and smaller than most, which was similar to Hyde leading many people to speculate that he based it on himself, though there is no evidence of that. Robert Louis Stevenson was brought up by a strictly religious nurse called ‘Cummy’  who made him believe that he could go to hell every night, resulting in him finishing most sentences with ‘if I am spared’ shows he thought he could be, like Hyde.

Stevenson’s father was a famous engineer and lived in the new part of Edinburgh; he was therefore born into a rich family and of higher class, which could be related to Jekyll. Apparently, he became curious of the old city and started exploring at night, walking through slums and even visiting brothels, this blurs the difference between higher and lower classes. He continued his education to university where he followed his father and studied engineering.

Join now!

 

The story was set in Victorian London where there was a different type of society, a very class conscious society where people strived to promote a good name for themselves and try to separate themselves from anyone who could damage it. They also regarded their name as their rank of respect so fiercely protected it. For example Dr Jekyll represents good, respectable men, while Hyde lives in the slums and his name is rejected all round the city after his trampling of a small girl and the suspected murderer of Carew.

The theme of duality runs throughout the ...

This is a preview of the whole essay