The theme or concept of duality can be described using a plethora of parameters, shaped and modified by its context. In general, duality is the double nature of an object, person, aspect, etc. Duality is used to convey contrasting ideas and polarities through a single object or person. Duality is essentially a universal theme used to enhance textual integrity and introduce a fresh complexity to characters. Such is the case within the novel, “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”. “I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two.” – The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The metaphor, “…such a dreadful shipwreck” hyperbolises the psychological conflicts of Jekyll and Hyde. The word, “doomed”
…show more content…
The overall quotation is a characterisation of the multiple dualities present within the Victorian era and even within Stevenson. The contextual time period was always dual in nature, where the concepts and ideas introduced by modern science were constantly battling with the traditional religious foundations of society. This duality of morality vs science can be generalised into the concept of the objective vs the subjective. Stevenson intrinsically incorporates these dualities within the novel, as it explores the concepts of morality, science, the objective and the subjective.
The article, “Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde and the Double Brain” by Anne Stiles revolves around the scientific aspects of the novel and …show more content…
The personas are polar to say the least, they seem alienated and nothing like one another, despite being part of the same existence. The binary/polarity of the two personas is what defines them as a duality, consisting of two different natures and patterns of behaviour. Even physical aspects of Jekyll and Hyde differ, as Jekyll is well built and tall whereas Hyde is “deformed” and short. The physiques of the personas do not match their behaviour as Jekyll is better suited toward the aggression and brutality of Hyde and similarly Hyde is better suited for the calm and sophisticated demeanour of Jekyll. These representations of duality describe it as being multidimensional, able to exist in a plethora of parameters embodying a variety of forms (i.e. good, bad; short, tall; intelligent; primitive;
The overall quotation is a characterisation of the multiple dualities present within the Victorian era and even within Stevenson. The contextual time period was always dual in nature, where the concepts and ideas introduced by modern science were constantly battling with the traditional religious foundations of society. This duality of morality vs science can be generalised into the concept of the objective vs the subjective. Stevenson intrinsically incorporates these dualities within the novel, as it explores the concepts of morality, science, the objective and the subjective.
The article, “Robert Louis Stevenson’s Jekyll and Hyde and the Double Brain” by Anne Stiles revolves around the scientific aspects of the novel and …show more content…
The personas are polar to say the least, they seem alienated and nothing like one another, despite being part of the same existence. The binary/polarity of the two personas is what defines them as a duality, consisting of two different natures and patterns of behaviour. Even physical aspects of Jekyll and Hyde differ, as Jekyll is well built and tall whereas Hyde is “deformed” and short. The physiques of the personas do not match their behaviour as Jekyll is better suited toward the aggression and brutality of Hyde and similarly Hyde is better suited for the calm and sophisticated demeanour of Jekyll. These representations of duality describe it as being multidimensional, able to exist in a plethora of parameters embodying a variety of forms (i.e. good, bad; short, tall; intelligent; primitive;