Science vs. Religion in Jekyll and Hyde

This section explores the tension between scientific advancement and traditional religious beliefs as portrayed in Stevenson's novella.

Highlight: Jekyll's experiments represent the growing conflict between science and faith in Victorian England.

Stevenson uses Jekyll's scientific pursuits to challenge conventional religious beliefs and explore the ethical implications of unchecked scientific progress. The creation of Hyde through chemical means can be seen as a form of "playing God," raising questions about the limits of human knowledge and the potential consequences of tampering with nature.

Quote: "I not only recognised my natural body for the mere aura and effulgence of certain of the powers that made up my spirit, but managed to compound a drug by which these powers should be dethroned from their supremacy, and a second form and countenance substituted, none the less natural to me because they were the expression, and bore the stamp, of lower elements in my soul."

This quote illustrates Jekyll's scientific rationalization of his experiments, framing them in terms of unlocking hidden aspects of human nature rather than as a moral transgression.

Key themes related to science and religion in the novella:

1. The potential dangers of scientific hubris
2. The conflict between rationalism and faith
3. The role of morality in scientific pursuits
4. The limitations of science in understanding human nature

Example: Dr. Lanyon's horror at Jekyll's experiments represents the conservative religious perspective, while Jekyll's pursuit of knowledge at any cost embodies the potential excesses of scientific rationalism.

Stevenson's portrayal of this conflict reflects the broader societal debates of his time, as scientific discoveries and theories like Darwin's evolution challenged traditional religious worldviews. The novella ultimately suggests that neither unchecked scientific progress nor rigid religious morality provides a complete answer to the complexities of human nature and society.

Duality in Jekyll and Hyde

This section delves deeper into the theme of duality in Stevenson's novella, a central concept that permeates the entire work.

Definition: Duality - the quality or state of having two parts, often with contrasting natures

Stevenson explores duality on multiple levels:

1. Individual duality: Jekyll's internal struggle between his respectable public persona and his hidden desires, embodied by Hyde.

2. Societal duality: The contrast between the polite, orderly facade of Victorian society and the underlying corruption and vice.

3. Moral duality: The conflict between good and evil, both within individuals and in society at large.

Quote: "Man is not truly one, but truly two."

This famous quote from the novella encapsulates Stevenson's view on the inherent duality of human nature. The author suggests that everyone has the capacity for both good and evil, challenging the Victorian notion of clear-cut morality.

Example: Jekyll's transformation into Hyde physically manifests his internal duality, allowing him to indulge his darker impulses without social consequences.

Stevenson uses vivid imagery and symbolism to reinforce the theme of duality throughout the text. The contrast between light and dark, day and night, and the respectable West End versus the seedy East End of London all serve to emphasize the dual nature of both Jekyll and Victorian society as a whole.