Jekyll And Hyde Flashcards
(4 cards)
“I learned to recognise the primitive duality of man.”
Primitive Duality:
Jekyll uses the term “primitive” to emphasize that this dual nature is a fundamental aspect of human existence, not a superficial or learned trait.
Thorough Duality:
The word “thorough” suggests that Jekyll recognizes this duality in its entirety, not just as a minor aspect of his personality, but as an essential part of his being.
Recognition, Not Creation:
This statement doesn’t imply that Jekyll invented or created the duality of man, but rather that he came to understand and acknowledge its existence within himself.
Impact on Jekyll:
This understanding is a catalyst for Jekyll’s experiments and the creation of Mr. Hyde, as he seeks to isolate and explore the “evil” side of his nature.
Moral and Spiritual Significance:
The quote highlights the conflict between Jekyll’s moral principles and the darker impulses that manifest in Hyde.
Theme of Good vs. Evil:
This concept directly relates to the novel’s broader theme of the struggle between good and evil within human beings.
“man is not truly one, but truly two.”
Duality of Human Nature:
The core idea of “man is not truly one, but truly two” is that humans are not monolithic but rather possess a complex, contradictory nature. They have both a “good” side, associated with societal norms and morality, and a “bad” side, containing primal instincts and repressed desires.
Jekyll and Hyde’s Representation:
Dr. Jekyll, a respectable Victorian gentleman, is the embodiment of the outwardly “good” side, while Mr. Hyde represents the unleashed, terrifying, and animalistic “bad” side. The separation and transformation between these two characters illustrate the struggle between these two facets of human nature.
Societal Critique:
The novel also critiques Victorian society’s hypocrisy and its strict moral code. Jekyll’s repressed desires are a product of societal pressures, while Hyde’s actions expose the darker side that Victorian society actively tried to suppress.
Consequences of Ignoring Duality:
Stevenson suggests that attempting to suppress or deny the existence of the darker side of human nature can lead to destructive consequences, as seen in Jekyll’s descent into madness and the consequences of his creation of Hyde.
Universal Applicability:
While the story focuses on Jekyll and Hyde, the theme of duality is presented as a universal human experience. The novel suggests that everyone has the potential for both good and evil, and the choices they make determine which side prevails.
Man still has it’s primate side, even victorian gentlemen.
Victorian Society and Primal Instincts:
The Victorian era was a period of significant social and scientific change. The rise of Darwin’s theory of evolution, with its implications for human origins, created a sense of unease and challenged traditional religious beliefs about humanity’s divine image. This, coupled with the rise of psychological theories exploring the human unconscious, contributed to a growing awareness of the potential for darker, more primitive aspects within even the most outwardly virtuous individuals.
Literary Exploration of Duality:
Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” serves as a prime example of this literary exploration of the “primate side” of man. The novella explores the duality of human nature, contrasting the outwardly respectable Dr. Jekyll with his monstrous alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde is presented as a release of repressed desires and primitive instincts, highlighting the idea that even within a seemingly civilised society, these darker aspects can take hold.
Mr. Hyde as a Symbol:
Mr. Hyde is often depicted as a symbol of these repressed primal instincts, representing a return to a more animalistic state. The use of animal imagery, like the description of Hyde as having “ape-like fury,” further reinforces this connection. Hyde’s actions, particularly the brutal murder of Danvers Carew, are presented as a shocking display of this primitive side of human nature.
Repression and the “Dark Side”:
The Victorian emphasis on social propriety and repression of emotions created a fertile ground for the development of hidden desires and impulses. Jekyll’s struggle to control his Hyde persona is a reflection of the internal conflict between the civilised and uncivilised aspects of the human self.
Social and Cultural Context:
The anxieties of the Victorian era, fueled by scientific advancements and the questioning of traditional beliefs, created a climate where the idea of a “primate side” to man’s nature resonated with many. This idea is reflected in the literature of the time, which often explored the darker aspects of human nature and the potential for a return to a more savage state
“like some damned Juggernaut”
“Damned”:
The word “damned” carries strong religious connotations, suggesting Hyde is morally corrupt and evil, perhaps even associated with the devil.
“Juggernaut”:
A juggernaut is a massive, destructive force, often represented as a chariot carrying a deity in Hindu mythology. The image of people being crushed under the wheels evokes a sense of powerlessness and inevitability.
Simile:
The simile “like some damned juggernaut” immediately establishes Hyde as a force of nature, something to be feared and avoided.
In the context of the novel:
The phrase is used to describe Hyde’s first impression on the reader, setting the tone for his portrayal throughout the story.
It foreshadows the destructive and uncontrollable nature of Hyde’s actions, emphasizing his lack of remorse and morality.
The simile highlights the duality of human nature, with Hyde representing the dark, primal side that can emerge from within a seemingly respectable individual like Dr. Jekyll.
The phrase also touches upon the theme of societal expectations and the fear of losing control, as Hyde’s actions challenge the Victorian era’s rigid social norms
