Symbolism in Jekyll and Hyde

Question 1

Respectable Neighborhoods vs. Seedy Soho District:

Answer 1

In the novella, the city of London is depicted as having two distinct faces. On one hand, there are the respectable and well-maintained neighborhoods where characters like Mr. Utterson and Dr. Jekyll reside. On the other hand, there is the seedy and impoverished Soho district, where Mr. Hyde frequents. This stark contrast symbolizes the duality of human nature and society, with the city itself serving as a microcosm of the inner conflicts within individuals.

Question 2

Urbanization and Hidden Vice:

Answer 2

As London undergoes rapid urbanization during the Victorian era, the novella suggests that beneath the surface of progress and modernity lies hidden vice and moral decay. The city’s physical transformation mirrors the characters’ internal struggles and the emergence of Mr. Hyde. This underscores how urbanization can serve as a metaphor for the dual nature of humanity, where societal advancements coexist with hidden vices.

Question 3

Impact on Characters

Answer 3

The contrast between the city’s different areas influences the characters’ actions and choices. Characters like Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Utterson inhabit the respectable neighborhoods, reflecting their attempts to maintain a facade of respectability. In contrast, Mr. Hyde is associated with the darker, impoverished areas, highlighting his unrestrained, sinister nature. The city’s divisions contribute to the characters’ dual identities and the moral dilemmas they face.

Question 4

Juxtaposition of light and dark

Answer 4

The novella often describes London’s streets as being either well-lit or shrouded in darkness. This juxtaposition of light and dark mirrors the theme of duality, with light representing the facade of respectability and dark symbolizing the hidden evil. The contrast between the two serves as a constant reminder of the dualities present in both the city and the characters.