Key Themes and Ideas

• What is a theme and what are themes in Jekyll and Hyde?

  A theme is a key idea that runs through a text.

  • The key themes in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde are scientific development, duality of mankind and the supernatural verus nature debate
• Why are themes good to analyse?

  show increased understanding of the text and easy to use in order to discuss the writers interntions
• What can some of the themes be described as?

  Binary opposites: complete opposites, shows a conflict even within the overarching message of the novella, not just between groups in society
• What is Stevenson showing with the inner conflict of themes?

  The juxtaposition of light and dark, good and evil, highlights the blurred lines between these concepts and ultimately challenges readers to reflect on their own capacity for both virtue and vice.
• In the Victorian era, religion was crucial, with many believing in following the principles and the word of the Bible as God was seen as the sole creator
• Due to the society's strong religious beliefs, there was fear and caution towards scientific developments and their potential impact on mankind
• Charles Darwin's theory of evolution, presented in the book "The Origins Of Species," was condemned and banned as it contradicted the idea of God as the creator of all life
• How is the theme of scientific development shown in the novel?

  • Dr Jekyll's scientific experiments
  • how the experiment goes badly wrong
  • how Dr Lanyon fears the experiment
• For the theme of scientific development, how does lanyon represent the Victorian fear of social degradation as a result of experimental science?

  Stevenson presents Lanyon's emotions very clearly in this section - one of Jekyll's oldest friends views him as 'dead' due to what he has done. The language Stevenson uses is charged with passion and emotion. The repetition of 'I' illustrates that Lanyon feels he is in control of the situation and has control over Jekyll.
• How is the wonder of scientific development shown in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?

  • Utterson's 'amazement' at what Jekyll has achieved.
  • Dr Jekyll's passion to complete his experiment.
  • The experiment itself
• What is the duality of human nature?

  Stevenson describes how there is a good and an evil side to everyone's personality, but what is important is how you behave and the decisions you make. The choices people make determine whether a person is good or not.
• How is the theme of duality shown in Jekyll and Hyde?

  Jekyll, a well respected scientist —> activates evil, immoral side through experiments through the character of Hyde
• What does the duality of Jekyll’s character show?

  Through this change in Jekyll's character, Stevenson shows the duality in human nature - the idea that everyone is capable of good and evil deeds.