Duality in Jekyll and Hyde Flashcards
Physical duality
“It was Hyde, after all, and Hyde alone, that was guilty. Jekyll was no worse; he woke again to his good qualities seemingly unimpaired; he would even make haste, where it was possible, to undo the evil done by Hyde.”
Moment: This quote highlights the physical transformation of Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde and how they are two distinct individuals sharing the same body. It emphasizes the physical duality of the characters.
Psychological duality
“All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil.”
Moment: This statement by Mr. Utterson reflects the idea that duality exists within all individuals. Stevenson suggests that the struggle between good and evil is not limited to Jekyll and Hyde but is a universal aspect of human nature.
Moral Duality: Jekyll’s confession
Quote: “I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self and becoming slowly incorporated with my second and worse.”
Moment: In this passage, Dr. Jekyll confesses to his moral descent as he succumbs to his darker alter ego, Mr. Hyde. It illustrates the moral duality within Jekyll as he becomes increasingly intertwined with his evil side.
Hyde’s Malevolence
“The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde.”
Moment: Dr. Jekyll acknowledges his ability to control the transformation, demonstrating that he is aware of the moral consequences of his actions. This reflects the psychological and moral conflict within him.
Dr Jekyll’s letter: The final revelation
“I bring the life of that unhappy Henry Jekyll to an end.”
Moment: In his letter, Jekyll reveals the tragic outcome of his experiment and the ultimate consequence of duality. He acknowledges the coexistence of good and evil within himself and makes a final decision to end it.
