Topic > Critical Evaluation of The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll...

In Laurence's (2010) critical evaluation of "The Strange Case of Doctor Jekyll and Mr. Hyde", it was found that duality was the central theme. In the novella, the theme of duality is the two personalities (opposite and antagonistic). The character Jekyll can be psychoanalyzed as the superego of human consciousness attempting to control its physical id impulses (Edward Jekyll). However, when the id is repressed rather than integrated into a functioning psyche, the individual's behavior will become increasingly erratic (Laurence & Mazzeno,2010,para.3). Jekyll's repression grew and manifested itself, causing him to lose control. Jekyll unable to control his alter ego Hyde, Hyde begins to take control of him by resorting to extreme forms of repression. Jekyll2). Hyde and Jekyll are one; Hyde is the mask Jekyll wears to avoid the consequences of his crimes. Padnick (2012) believes that the story has been misinterpreted because Jekyll and Hyde are referred to as different people. Jekyll uses Hyde for thrills; failure to understand Jekyll's need for freedom leads to a misunderstanding of the true explanation of the story. Jekyll and Hyde are one because he remembers everything he does while Hyde wanders the streets at night. Jekyll is not the good person he seems. Hyde wasn't created by chance, he was destined. Jekyll was deeply repressed and hid his violent sexual impulses. Jekyll and Hyde are one, Hyde is Jekyll's repressed nature which provides a form of escape from high society. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde." The article considered several aspects to explain the story. Since the book was published in 1886 during the late Victorian era, it influenced the curiosity of the book. The comparison is not simply between good and evil but between evolution and degeneration (Buzwell, nd, par.2). Appearance has been described in a disgusting way. Charles is unpleasant and detestable Darwin hypothesized that humans evolved from an amphibian-like creature. Edward Hyde's was physically detestable because it reminded people of their evolutionary heritage. The houses of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were different. Jekyll's house presented an air of wealth and comfort while Hyde's house presented an air of prolonged and sordid neglect. (Buzwell,nd, par.3) More from Jekyll's double life, other characters like Enfield and Utterson returning from a mysterious place that at three in the morning. All of the characters' lives seem innocent, dark and sinister when examined