Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: A Victorian Exploration of Good and Evil

Essay, Pages 5 (1087 words)

Views

324

"In each of us, two natures are at war - the good and the evil. All our lives the fight goes on between them one must
conquer. But in our own hands lies the power to choose - What we want most to be we are" (Robert Louis Stevenson.
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde 1885)

Introduction

Robert Louis Stevenson, born in 1850 in Edinburgh, defied his family's expectations to become an engineer,
ultimately choosing the path of literature. Stevenson's life, marked by illness and influenced by his
nurse's tales of ghosts and morality, greatly shaped his perspective on the duality of good and evil within
human nature. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, a product of Stevenson's own struggles and experiences, delves into the
profound psychological exploration of the human soul.

Stevenson's Life and Inspiration

Stevenson's childhood illnesses and ongoing health struggles, which led him to use substances like laudanum and
cocaine, played a pivotal role in shaping his perspective on morality. While the Stevenson family hailed from
Edinburgh, Robert's extensive travels, including visits to London, Bournemouth, France, and the continent,
significantly influenced his understanding of the societal disparities prevalent in Victorian cities.

Victorian Cities: A Breeding Ground for Dichotomy

The Industrial Revolution propelled a massive migration of people from rural areas to burgeoning Victorian cities,
causing overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, and societal unrest.

The stark contrast between affluent and
impoverished areas in cities like London fueled anxieties among the middle class about the impending societal
upheaval. Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde mirrors these societal tensions and explores the dualities within Victorian
society.

Contrasting Scenes in the Streets of London

Stevenson skillfully employs contrasting scenes to illustrate the divided nature of Victorian cities.

In the
opening scenes of Mr Utterson and Mr Enfield's Sunday walk through London, a seemingly idyllic street sharply
contrasts with a neglected building. The prosperous appearance of the street with well-maintained shutters and
polished brasses conceals the sinister building, hinting at the concealed evil beneath the surface. This
juxtaposition serves as a prelude to the dual character of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, reflecting the societal
facade that conceals inner turmoil.

Weather Descriptions: Atmospheric Portrayal of Good and Evil

Stevenson's use of weather descriptions in The Carew Murder Case further emphasizes the dichotomy between good
and evil. The night of Carew's murder is depicted with a cloudless sky and a full moon, creating an
association between lightness and goodness. The contrast intensifies when Hyde, with his animalistic appearance,
commits the heinous act. Weather descriptions continue to play a crucial role as Mr Utterson traverses through
London, with fog and darkness symbolizing the concealment of evil, adding a layer of foreboding to the city's
backdrop.

Victorian Repression and Dual Personality

Victorian society's strict religious norms encouraged the repression of desires and the concealment of sins.
Stevenson, in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, not only presents a psychological horror but also acknowledges the
existence of inherent evil within everyone. The Victorian emphasis on maintaining a respectable front, as
symbolized by doors, becomes a powerful metaphor for the social hierarchy and the hidden dualities within.

Symbolism of Doors in Victorian Society

Stevenson strategically uses symbolism, particularly doors, to craft powerful images in his narrative. Doors
represent the division between public and private spheres, the hidden and the revealed. In the opening chapter,
the repeated mention of doors underscores the strict Victorian "front door/back door" rule. Hyde's exclusion
from Jekyll's front door symbolizes not only social inferiority but also the moral descent into depravity. This
symbolism reinforces the novel's exploration of the consequences of immorality.

Victorian Morality and Social Unrest

Victorian society, marked by rigid moral codes, faced the challenges of a rapidly changing world. The Industrial
Revolution brought about unprecedented urbanization, leading to overcrowded cities plagued by unsanitary
conditions and disease. The fear of social upheaval and the growing divide between the affluent and the
impoverished fueled anxieties among the middle class.

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde serves as a reflection of these societal tensions, presenting a vivid portrayal of the
dichotomy within Victorian cities. Stevenson's choice of London as the novel's setting is not arbitrary but
rather a deliberate decision based on his observations of the extreme social disparities prevalent in the city.
The stark contrast between the well-kept, affluent streets and the neglected, sinister building serves as a
metaphor for the hidden evils lurking beneath the surface of Victorian society.

Psychological Impact of Weather Descriptions

Stevenson's meticulous use of weather descriptions adds another layer to the novel's exploration of good and
evil. In The Carew Murder Case, the association between a cloudless sky and the brutal murder committed by Mr
Hyde creates a sense of shock and horror. The contrast between the innocence of the victim, Carew, and the
bestial nature of Hyde is heightened by the weather, underscoring the psychological impact of external
elements on the narrative.

Furthermore, as Mr Utterson navigates through the foggy streets of London on his way to Mr Hyde's residence,
Stevenson employs weather as a metaphor for the concealment of evil. The fog, described as a "great chocolate
colored pall" and the "mournful reinvasion of darkness," becomes a dramatic backdrop for Hyde's nefarious
activities. This atmospheric portrayal not only heightens the tension in the novel but also serves as a
commentary on the moral obscurity prevalent in Victorian society.

Doors as Symbols of Social Hierarchy

The symbolism of doors in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde extends beyond the physical to the societal. During the Victorian
era, doors held significant cultural meaning, representing the division between public and private spheres. The
repeated references to doors in the opening chapter underscore the strict societal norms of the time.

Hyde's exclusion from Jekyll's front door, the epitome of respectability, symbolizes not only his social
inferiority but also his moral descent. In a society where appearances were paramount, the front door served as a
facade of respectability. Stevenson uses this symbolism to emphasize the dual personality of Jekyll and Hyde,
challenging Victorian notions of morality and societal norms.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde serves as a profound exploration of the dualities within Victorian society,
reflecting the societal anxieties of the time. Stevenson's personal struggles, coupled with his keen
observations of the societal disparities in rapidly expanding cities, are woven into the fabric of the novel.
Through contrasting scenes, weather descriptions, and symbolic elements like doors, Stevenson masterfully
portrays the eternal struggle between good and evil. Ultimately, the novel challenges Victorian moral norms and
forces readers to confront the inherent duality within themselves.