Beauty and the Beast

Tamara

2-27-03

Beauty and the Beast

In Stevenson’s novel, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, themes are presented through the use of Romantic language. One major theme is conferred, while some minor themes are also evident. Stevenson uses this language to further develop his themes into a well-organized novel.

The most obvious theme is the duality of human nature. Almost everyone has two sides to their personalities. Stevenson explicates and gives many examples of this through Jekyll. Dr. Jekyll affirms that "man is not truly one, but truly two” (p. 92). Jekyll, being of fine character, has a dark side which is elucidated through Mr. Hyde. “It was on the moral side, and in my own person, that I learned to recognise the thorough and primitive duality of man; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both” (p. 93). After awhile, the personality of Jekyll “dies” and Hyde is only apparent. Sometimes, parts of people can take over their lives with an overpowering force, as did the personality of Hyde.

Another theme evident in the novel is good versus evil. Although Jekyll is a good man, his evil side comes out of him occasionally. Sometimes it comes out without warning. Although he “felt younger, lighter, happier in body” (p. 95) he does things that are against what he normally does. “And to that Mr. Hyde broke out of all bounds, and clubbed him to the earth” (p. 35). Although Jekyll thinks only Hyde is to blame for his murder, he still wants to be forgiven and feels penitence. “When I would come back from these excursions, I was