Jekyll and Hyde - good vs evil Flashcards
(17 cards)
Intro
Stevensons gothic novel JK+H explores the continuous conflict between good and evil as an inherent part of human nature. Through the duality of Jekyll and Hyde, Stevenson suggests that evil is not separate from civilisation but a repressed force within all. Written in the Victorian era, a time obsessed with reputation and moral respectability, the novella critiques the hypocrisy of society and dangers of suppressing ones darker instincts
‘Man is not truly one
But truly two’
‘Man is not truly one but truly two’ C10
Juxtaposition and repetition of truly implies inner duality is truth
- Stevenson uses Jekyll and Hyde to present the constant struggle between good and evil in every individual
‘Man is not truly one but truly two’ context
reflect Victorian fears of hidden immortality under respectable facades -> influence by Darwin theory of evolution that feared that man is part animal
Frueidian theory of id (hydes instinct) and superego (Jekyll morality)
Jekyll enjoys the freedom Hyde gives him which shows evil is tempting and destructive, quote
‘ i felt younger, lighter, happier in body’
Stevenson presents Hyde as pure evil who is
Unrestrained by conscience
‘There is something wrong with his appearance; something _____’
Displeasing, something downright detestable’
‘There is something wrong with his appearance’ something displeasing, something downright detestable’
Repetition of vague language shows evil is unnatural and unknown
AO3 - Victorian fears of regression
‘Trampled calmly’
Juxtaposition shows a chilling lack of remorse
‘I learnt to recognise the thorough and
Primitive duality of man’
‘Primitive duality of man’
Implies evil is not just part man but instinctive
‘With a___ like ___’
With ape like fury
‘Ape-like fury’
Animalistic metaphor links to Darwin theory that hyde is the UNEVOLVED brutal side to humanity
‘The powers of Hyde seem to have grown with
The sickliness of Jekyll
‘The powers of Hyde have seem to grown with the sickliness of Jekyll’
Metaphor sickliness shows Jekylls good (superego) is morally deteriorating
- evil personified as something that strengthens
‘I was slowly losing hold of my
Original and better self’
‘I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self’
Jekyll is aware that Hyde is taking over yet he does not stop reflecting how evil has consumed him - reflect danger of indulgence and addiction
