jekyll and hyde duality essay,someone grade this or help me with what i can improve:)

lay.2023

How does Stevenson present the theme of duality in the novella?

Stevenson uses the theme of duality to display the idea that every human has good and evil within them. Jekyll knew that his desires were morally wrong so he created another side of himself so he can go through with his desires without ruining his reputation.

Throughout the novella stevenson constantly refers to hyde as ‘a child of hell’, the words stevenson uses, imply the difference in morals jekyll has and hyde has. connotations of child suggest purity and innocence which is the exact opposite of Hyde's diabolically described character. However stevenson then juxtaposes the idea of innocence with the noun ‘hell’ displaying the sinful side of dr jekyll in hyde. Differently connotations of hell include death, destruction and torture, these connotations all foreshadow hydes downfall and his tragic ending. Stevenson could have also used the word ‘man’ instead of ‘child’ to describe Hyde, however perhaps stevenson wanted to hint at the reader that hyde is not fully developed and normal like humans are. This links to Darwin's theory of evolution where in the victorian era , was a taboo subject because people were very religious and this theory juxtaposed their beliefs.

Stevenson also uses the theme of duality in describing the setting of london. As utterson and Enfield were on their usual Sunday walk, Stevenson describes London as ‘an air of invitation’, suggesting positivity around the city, however Stevenson then juxtaposes the idea of London being a welcoming place, by describing the buildings as ‘sinister’. Stevenson describing the buildings as sinister immediately hints to the reader that London is not how it seems, or perhaps that there's two sides to London that are yet to be revealed. Just like how Jekyll has two sides to him and is thought to be a respectable doctor but later is found out to have a frightful, impulsive alter ego. Alternatively the adjective ‘sinister’ could also suggest an ominous atmosphere to London, because of jekyll's morally wrong desires. This then links to how duality is shown not only in characters but in the setting of the novella creating tension for the reader.

Throughout the text, it is revealed that Jekyll was not the only character which inhibited the theme of duality, but we learn that Jekyll's maid in Soho also has two sides to her, the physical appearance and her mental appearance. Stevenson describes the maid as an impolite woman. “she had an evil face smoothed by hypocrisy” which perhaps leads us to believe that the maid was trying to intimidate utterson, however the juxtaposition “smoothed by hypocrisy” highlights that this isn't her true identity and she's pretending to be someone she is not. The verb ‘smoothed’ suggests she changes her personality around people so she's in control. “But her manners were excellent” this quote suggests the dual aspect to her personality, which links to the duality of human nature and the idea that nobody is 100% good or 100% evil.

Reply 1

Curious_Bilawi

11

Overall, your essay has a good structure and presents a clear argument on how Stevenson uses the theme of duality in the novella. Here are some suggestions for improvement:

Add more analysis to your points. For example, after stating that Jekyll created Hyde to go through with his desires without ruining his reputation, you could explore the effects of this decision on Jekyll's character and the consequences it has for him and those around him.

Use more quotes and textual evidence to support your points. You have some good examples, but try to incorporate more direct quotes from the text and analyze them in more detail.

Consider exploring the theme of duality in other characters as well, such as Utterson or Lanyon, and how their dual natures contribute to the overall theme of the novella.

Proofread your essay for spelling and grammar errors. There are a few minor mistakes that could be corrected to improve the clarity and readability of your writing.

Overall, good job on your essay! With some additional analysis and textual evidence, it could be even stronger.

Reply 2

lay.2023

OP

4

r

Original post by Curious_Bilawi

Overall, your essay has a good structure and presents a clear argument on how Stevenson uses the theme of duality in the novella. Here are some suggestions for improvement:

Add more analysis to your points. For example, after stating that Jekyll created Hyde to go through with his desires without ruining his reputation, you could explore the effects of this decision on Jekyll's character and the consequences it has for him and those around him.

Use more quotes and textual evidence to support your points. You have some good examples, but try to incorporate more direct quotes from the text and analyze them in more detail.

Consider exploring the theme of duality in other characters as well, such as Utterson or Lanyon, and how their dual natures contribute to the overall theme of the novella.

Proofread your essay for spelling and grammar errors. There are a few minor mistakes that could be corrected to improve the clarity and readability of your writing.

Overall, good job on your essay! With some additional analysis and textual evidence, it could be even stronger.

thank you so much for this feedback!

Reply 3

lay.2023

OP

4

Original post by Curious_Bilawi

Overall, your essay has a good structure and presents a clear argument on how Stevenson uses the theme of duality in the novella. Here are some suggestions for improvement:

Add more analysis to your points. For example, after stating that Jekyll created Hyde to go through with his desires without ruining his reputation, you could explore the effects of this decision on Jekyll's character and the consequences it has for him and those around him.

Use more quotes and textual evidence to support your points. You have some good examples, but try to incorporate more direct quotes from the text and analyze them in more detail.

Consider exploring the theme of duality in other characters as well, such as Utterson or Lanyon, and how their dual natures contribute to the overall theme of the novella.

Proofread your essay for spelling and grammar errors. There are a few minor mistakes that could be corrected to improve the clarity and readability of your writing.

Overall, good job on your essay! With some additional analysis and textual evidence, it could be even stronger.