Good vs Evil- Jekyll and Hyde

Introduction

-Central to novels message and structure

-Stevenson uses theme to explore complexity of human nature and criticize Victorian repression and limits of scientific control

-Struggle between good v evil isn’t presented as a contrast but a deeply phycological and internal battle suggesting evil isn’t external but embedded within yourself

Obvious presentation through J and H

-J represents good and respectable side of humanity when H shows evil and animalistic instincts

-Stevenson uses this split to show everyone has good and evil within them and denying this reality is dangerous

-J claims ‘man is not truly 1 but truly 2’ acknowledging that even the most moral individuals contain darkness

-This idea challenges Victorian belief that outward respectability equals inner goodness

Stevenson presents evil as a corrupting force

-As H grows stronger, J loses control and when transformation happens, he writes ‘I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self’ suggesting the indulging evil allows it to overpower the good

-Stevenson presents evil as tempting and addictive but also destructive

-It warns the reader that giving into evil desires can entirely consume ones identity

The theme is further explored through Lanyons reaction to J’s secret

-A rational man, Lanyon was horrified by the evil he witnesses in Hyde’s transformation.

-He says ‘I saw what I saw, heard what I heard and my soul sickened at it’

-This shows how deeply the reality of evil shocks those who believe in order and reason

-Stevenson uses Lanyon’s phycological collapse to emphasize how terrifying the realization of human evil is

Conclusion

-The theme is important because it underpins the entire novel.

-Stevenson uses it to explore human psychology, expose societal hypocrisy and critique the dangers of repression,

-The novel ultimately suggests good and evil aren’t separate forces but 2 sides of the same person and denying one leads to destruction

-Its a powerful warning that understanding and accepting human duality is essential for survival