Within every individual resides a complex interplay of good and evil, known as the duality of man. The novel Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Robert Louis Stevenson, explores this interesting dynamic with the character of Dr. Henry Jekyll, who wishes to bring out his so-called ‘second nature’ by meddling in the darker side of science. In the novel Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson argues that every person has a good and evil side, if one favors one side more than the other it becomes unbalanced causing one to get out of hand. Chapter 3 shows the internal struggle of Jekyll through word choice, emotion, and self-control. When Utterson mentions Hyde to Jekyll, Jekyll’s facial expressions change, “The large …show more content…
The description of Jekyll being a ‘disconsolate prisoner’ suggests that the doctor’s metaphorical jailing is self-imposed, making him the prisoner, jailer, and jailer all at once. Utterson points out that Jekyll has been staying inside more lately and invites him down to take a walk with him and his cousin Enfield. But Jekyll declines, stating, “I should like to very much; but no, no, no, it is quite impossible; I dare not. But indeed, Utterson, I am very glad to see you.” This shows the reader that Jekyll is ashamed of Hyde and refuses to leave the house, not wanting to unintentionally transform into Hyde while outside. Utterson and Jekyll are talking about how the best way for them to talk is through the window, Jekyll begins to smile before, “the smile was struck out of his face and succeeded by an expression of such abject terror and despair, as froze the very blood of the two gentlemen below.” At this moment, Jekyll’s attempts to feign friendliness crumble, revealing what is described as an expression of ‘abject terror and despair’. The sight shocks Utterson and Enfield, leaving the two men speechless. Ultimately, these three uses of imagery show how Jekyll is struggling with his dual