Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde Research Paper

In "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Robert Louis Stevenson investigates the inherent struggle between good and evil within each individual by exploring the profound duality of human nature. The storyline employs Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist, who experiments with a potion that transforms him into the sinister Mr. Hyde. Throughout the novel, Stevenson reveals that the duality of human nature is not simply a contrast between good and evil, but more so a complex interplay of impulses and layers to one’s identity. Stevenson’s exploration of the duality of human nature showcases the nuances of conflicting impulses in relation to human psychology. Freud’s theories surrounding each individual’s “id” and it being the intrusive thoughts

In a conversation with Mr. Utterson, Dr. Jekyll makes it clear that he doesn’t like Hyde and the way he’s exposed his true self. “I cannot say that I care what becomes of Hyde; I am quite done with him. I was thinking of my own character, which this hateful business has rather exposed’ “(Stevenson 47). Jekyll acknowledges the impact of his actions as Hyde, and as much as he suggests that he wants to disassociate from Hyde, he can’t escape the complexities of his own identity. Although he recognizes his wrongdoings, his impulses are strong, showcasing the internal and external struggle between good and evil. In Jekyll's last letter, he grapples with the revelation that there are no two separate parts of him. He knows that Hyde is an integral part of his being and comes to terms with the fact that he may just have a dark alter ego. Instead of complete repulsion, he notices the duality of his own nature. “And yet when I looked upon that ugly idol in the glass, I was conscious of no repugnance, rather of a leap of

Jekyll to have a desire to stay within one of those guidelines. However, towards the end of the novel he realizes that everyone has both good and evil and his acceptance of this notion lead him to achieve inner peace. The larger idea that Stevenson is looking to convey is that once humans know who they are and they are able to explore all sides of themselves, they are more content with themselves and their lives. In confronting the truth about human nature, Jekyll sees that everyone is inherently flawed, similarly to him. The simultaneous representation of good and evil at the same time within him is a metaphor for something all people deal with daily. Dr. Jekyll’s scientific pursuits with his numerous experiments weren’t all for nothing. They were looked down upon and doubted for sure, but his intentions were not poor. His desire to understand the split in his personality was an eye opener that resulted in a different outlook on human existence. “It was thus rather the exacting nature of my aspirations than any particular degradation in my faults, that made me what I was, and, with even a deeper trench than in the majority of men, severed in me those provinces of good and ill which divide and compound man’s dual nature.”(Stevenson