The theme of duality is one of the most prevalent themes in the Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Although the theme does not become fully evident to the reader until the final chapter, Stevenson presents clues and references to this duality throughout the narrative.
Knowledge and evidence:
- Stevenson presents the theme of duality primarily in the character of Jekyll as his inner sinister desires and his outward respectable persona are in conflict with each other, leading to his creation of Hyde:
- Hyde appears in the narrative before Jekyll which reinforces the reader’s perception that he is a separate entity rather than merely the alter-ego of Jekyll
- Jekyll admits in the final chapter of the novella, that without Hyde, Jekyll lives a life of “profound duplicity”
- While Jekyll is presented as a respectable gentleman, Stevenson hints at his cunning, secretive and deceitful nature by the manner in which he is first described, further alluding to the dual aspect of his character:
- Jekyll is not simply portrayed as a purely good character, which reinforces Stevenson’s idea that human nature itself is both complex and multifaceted
- Throughout the novella, Jekyll finds himself living a double life and he is unable to reconcile the two sides of his character:
- He wishes to be a respected doctor adhering to the highest moral standards. However, he also yearns to engage in malevolent acts
- Duality is further revealed in the novella’s setting of London:
- Stevenson presents the city of London with contrasting descriptions where affluent streets exist next to areas of degradation and poverty
- The description of Jekyll’s house is also used to reveal a duality:
- Stevenson presents the door at the front as having a “great air of wealth and comfort” leading to the reputable Jekyll; while the door at the back, which has an impression of “sordid negligence” leads to the repungant Hyde
- The door is used as a metaphor for the inner struggles between their two identities:
- Stevenson uses this to comment on the deceptive outward appearance of upper Victorian society
- Stevenson also hints at the concept of duality in other characters:
- Utterson is described as a man having “a rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile”, but also a man of “soundness of mind and ease of manner”
- Stevenson hints that Enfield has all the exterior of a gentleman, though may also have sinister secrets of his own
- By the end of the novella, Jekyll acknowledges "the thorough and primitive duality of man"
- Stevenson continually uses contrasts to further underscore the aspect of duality throughout the novella: for example, rich/poor; light/dark; honesty/secrecy; night/day; inside/outside; respectability/notoriety
What is Stevenson’s intention?
- Stevenson is concerned about the duality of human nature and society in general and considers the idea that everyone is capable of good and evil deeds
- Stevenson may also have used the dualities in the novella to reflect a society rapidly moving from the past into a new modern world