Common Themes In Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde

In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, by Robert Louis Stevenson, many themes are depicted. However, one theme overshadows the others. Throughout the novella, Mr. Stevenson portrays to the reader how detrimental negativity can be – but most importantly, destructive decisions. During the article, we see how negativity can alter an individual – sometimes for the worst version of their self. One of the many superb ways Mr. Stevenson displayed the theme was through the use of literary devices. Mr. Stevenson used multiple exquisite literary accessories to portray the theme. One way was by using the setting. “The inhabitants (of the street) were all doing well… the street shone” (2). This excerpt from the passage represents the character Dr. Jekyll. He was cherished by the personas that lived in the vicinity. Dr. Jekyll was perceived as a diligent gentleman; however, he had his vulnerabilities. “Two doors from one corner… a certain sinister block of building thrust toward its gable on the street” (2). The ominous avenue

Stevenson used symbols to clandestinely exhibit the theme. “The door, which was equipped with neither bell nor knocker, was blistered and stained” (2). This fragment from the memorable passage displays how conflicted Dr. Jekyll was feeling. While he seemed to be the ideal man, internally he was attempting to cope with numerous conflicts. An example of this would be his narcotic enslavement. “…Hurrying back to my cabinet, I once more prepared and drank the cup, once more suffered the pangs of dissolution…” (31). Dr. Jekyll ultimately became enslaved by his narcotic fixation. His life eventually became a living inferno. He was no longer capable of restraining his desires, which caused him to descend into an abyss. The potions, or narcotics, represented the instabilities people face and can effortlessly plunge into. While the narrative incorporates many exquisite literary mechanisms, some are more pronounced than