Dr. Jekyll is a character who is introduced in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" as a man with a split personality and enigmatic behavior, which contributes to his mysterious aura. This duality is emphasized by his physical appearance, described as "a large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast" (Chapter 1), and it sets the tone for the rest of the novel. Throughout the story, Jekyll's actions become more and more perplexing, which makes him a fascinating figure to analyze. Jekyll's character can be interpreted as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disobeying religious teachings and striving to become god-like. This theme is also present in Mary Shelley's "Frankenstein," where Victor Frankenstein …show more content…
As the novel progresses, it becomes clear that Hyde is not just a physical manifestation of Jekyll's darker impulses but a separate entity altogether. Jekyll's observation that "my clothes hung formlessly on my shrunken limbs; the hand that lay on my knee was corded and hairy" (Chapter 10) further emphasizes the stark contrast between Jekyll and Hyde. This duality is a reflection of the psychological split that Jekyll experiences, and it is a manifestation of his repressed desires and …show more content…
The Victorian era was a time of strict social norms, and individuals were expected to conform to these norms or risk being ostracized from society. Jekyll's desire to break free from these norms and become his own person may reflect the tensions of the time. Jekyll's statement, "I had been content with the first calm day in my impatience, to make myself again a brute like those that fawned upon me" (Chapter 10), reflects his desire to escape the confines of Victorian society. This desire to break free from societal norms ultimately leads to Jekyll's downfall. Religion also plays a significant role in shaping Jekyll's character. He is deeply troubled by his own actions and the impact they have on his soul. He seeks to find a way to reconcile his good and evil sides, but ultimately fails. Jekyll's statement, "man is not truly one, but truly two. I say two because the state of my own knowledge does not pass beyond that point" (Chapter 10), highlights his struggle to reconcile his dual nature. Jekyll's character is a reflection of the conflict between his desire to be good and his inability to control his darker