Download Introduction: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

THEME
THEME IS…
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the central or dominant idea behind the story; the
most important aspect that emerges from how the
book treats its subject. Sometimes theme is easy to
see, but, at other times, it may be more difficult.
Theme is usually expressed indirectly, as an
element the reader must figure out.
The author implies a theme while the readers infer
its meaning
THEME CONTINUED
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It is a universal statement about humanity, rather than
a simple statement dealing with plot or characters in the
story.
Themes are generally hinted at through different
methods: a phrase or quotation that introduces the novel,
a recurring element in the book, or an observation made
that is reinforced through plot, dialogue, or characters.
THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
THEMES IN DR. JEKYLL…
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Be aware for evidence of the following themes:
human ugliness originates in the soul
 people who succumb to the temptations of evil
risk losing their capacity (ability) for good
 people who suppress, or restrain, their natural
desires risk having them surface out of control.
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THEME
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There are two ways to
interpret the
message in this
novella
Novella- more
complicated than a
short story, but fewer
conflicts than in a
novel.
FIRST INTERPRETATION: BORN EVIL
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RLS had a strict Christian and moral
upbringing. The idea of good vs. evil
was one that he was quite aware of.
Adam/Eve and serpent, Cain and
Abel
Thomas Hobbes thought that
humans were naturally bad and
would be like animals in a “state of
nature”
In Christianity, original sin says that
people are born inclined toward
evil and struggle to be good
SECOND INTERPRETATION: SOCIETY MAKES US EVIL
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Context: Takes place in
Victorian Era (1837-1901)
in London, England
Members of the upper
class in Victorian times
were especially expected
to behave virtuously.
They, along with their
homes, were expected to
be proper and elegant at
all times.
A CLASS DIVIDED
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Victorian society was
divided.
Social classes did not
mix, and behavior,
especially among
members of the upper
class, was expected to be
exemplary at all times.
The unrealistically rigid
morality of upper class
Londoners led many to
live double lives.
2ND INTERPRETATION: TABULA RASA
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The Enlightenment
view was that people
are born blank slates
society shapes the
person into good or
evil
Sigmund Freud, the
father of
psychotherapy,
believed that human
beings are powerfully
influenced by impulses
they are not aware of
PERSONALITY
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Freud said there were three parts to a person’s
psychology
Ego- the conscious part of oneself (adult)
Id- the unconscious part of oneself (childlike)
Superego- as society, ethics, and morals.
To many readers, Hyde represents Dr. Jekyll’s
subconscious desire to be freed from society’s
restrictions.
People need to repress desires for society to work.
WHAT DO YOU THINK?
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Are good and evil innate (are they in us when we’re
born)?
OR
Is it society who makes us who we are?
Consider:
 Are people basically good or basically bad?
 Can “good” people do “bad” things?
 Is everyone capable of doing horrible things such as
the crimes