Present themes
The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde contained many literary themes. One prevalent theme is that of “Good Vs Evil”. Dr. Jekyll, a well beloved member of society was always viewed as a good man. Hyde on the other hand was the very definition of evil. According to Jekyll, he felt “tenfold more wicked”. Hyde’s creation originated from Jekyll giving in to his temptations, and though he felt relieved to be able to do what he wants, an internal power struggle began within the doctor. Hyde had begun to manifest himself without Jekyll taking the elixir. Jekyll tried to abstain from Hyde, but in the end it was too much for him, so when he relapsed to his habits, Hyde began to full take over. Consequentially, Hyde’s many unintentional appearances led to his and Jekyll’s death by the hands of Mr. Utterson. “And Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.” (Pg 58)
Another theme, not as prevalent as the first is the concept I like to call “superficial belief”. I believe that this played an important role in the story, as it gave Dr Jekyll and protection from many things. People, rather, society as a whole, believed that such a respected man like Jekyll would have no connections with the atrocities that Hyde committed. Utterson himself believed that Hyde had been blackmailing Jekyll into protecting him. Jekyll took advantage of his situation, allowing his persona of Hyde to do as he pleased, while knowing that he was safe. Nobody suspected Jekyll had anything to do with Hyde besides harboring him, but even then he was safe. “Men have hired bravos to transact their crimes, while their own person and reputation sat under shelter. I was the first ever that did so for his pleasures. I was the that could thus plod in the public eye with a load of genial respect, and in a moment, like a schoolboy, strip off these lending’s and spring headlong into a sea of liberty.
Another theme, not as prevalent as the first is the concept I like to call “superficial belief”. I believe that this played an important role in the story, as it gave Dr Jekyll and protection from many things. People, rather, society as a whole, believed that such a respected man like Jekyll would have no connections with the atrocities that Hyde committed. Utterson himself believed that Hyde had been blackmailing Jekyll into protecting him. Jekyll took advantage of his situation, allowing his persona of Hyde to do as he pleased, while knowing that he was safe. Nobody suspected Jekyll had anything to do with Hyde besides harboring him, but even then he was safe. “Men have hired bravos to transact their crimes, while their own person and reputation sat under shelter. I was the first ever that did so for his pleasures. I was the that could thus plod in the public eye with a load of genial respect, and in a moment, like a schoolboy, strip off these lending’s and spring headlong into a sea of liberty.