Appearances and Duality in Jekyll and Hyde
The theme of appearances versus reality is central to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, reflecting Victorian society's preoccupation with respectability and the hidden nature of evil. Stevenson uses vivid descriptions and metaphors to explore the concept of duality in human nature.
Jekyll's own description of Hyde reveals the internal struggle:
Quote: "None the less natural to me because they were the expression, and bore the stamp of lower elements in my soul!"
This admission highlights Jekyll's recognition of the evil within himself, manifested through Hyde. Interestingly, Stevenson refuses to provide a detailed description of Hyde's face, challenging the Victorian notion that evil can be identified through physical appearance.
Highlight: By avoiding a specific description of Hyde, Stevenson suggests that evil cannot be easily recognized or categorized based on outward appearances.
The author's approach to describing Jekyll further emphasizes the theme of duality:
Quote: "The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale to the very lips, and there came a blackness about his eyes."
This description reveals the contrast between Jekyll's respectable exterior and his inner turmoil, hinting at the darkness lurking beneath the surface.
Stevenson uses Jekyll's house as a powerful metaphor for the duality of human nature:
Quote: "At the door of this, which wore a great air of wealth and comfort"
The front of the house represents the respectable facade that Jekyll presents to society. However, the rear of the building tells a different story:
Quote: "A certain sinister block of building thrust forward its gable on the street"
The contrast between the front and back of the house mirrors the duality within Jekyll himself, with the respectable front concealing a darker, more sinister aspect.
Example: The imagery of a "blistered and distained" door suggests corruption and decay, symbolizing the erosion of Jekyll's moral character.
Through these vivid descriptions and metaphors, Stevenson explores the complex relationship between appearances and reality in Victorian society, challenging readers to look beyond surface-level respectability.
