Good vs Evil: the novella explores the struggle and conflict between good and evil through the conflict between
Jekyll and Hyde. Good is represented by several characters like Utterson, Enfield, Lanyon, the trampled girl, and
qualities like respect, reputation, charitable work, and sympathy. The idea is that this struggle exists within
everyone. Hyde’s actions towards innocent people reveal his purely evil state. Religion plays a role in the
representation of this as well. Being religious and God are symbols of good whilst not following Christianity and
Satan is evil. Good and evil is directly linked to duality and Jekyll’s idea of evil and good within everyone. He
initially believes he can keep these two in balance like in ying yang, but later finds out evil comes stronger than his
good side. The setting in London reflects the theme too; the good and wealthy parts of London are free of crime
whilst the poor areas like Soho are a common place for crime. Due to the rarity of crime and evil among the upper
classes, they have a particular interest in the subject. Lanyon is a character that represents goodness. His reaction
to Hyde's transformation reveals his innocent nature and how he isn’t able to handle the violence he witnessed. It
can be argued Hyde isn’t evil because although his actions seem evil, he is programmed to do that. He doesn’t
have a different way of living or the ability to feel remorse or guilt. His nature does not allow him to do such things.
Quotes Analysis
“All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled Jekyll believes no human is entirely good or entirely evil.
out of good and evil.” Commingled suggests there is a mix of both. He
believes accepting both sides leads to peace initially.
The verb also highlights that there is a closeness
between the two.
“Alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil” Jekyll has created Hyde to be purely evil but he himself
remains dual.
“Satan’s signature upon a face” Hyde is directly associated with the devil. Signature
suggests he is bound to be the way he is and this is
decided by Satan himself.
“The man trampled calmly over the child’s body”. Violation of innocence with a careless manner. Against
the morals of victorians. Trample and calm create an
oxymoron.
“I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self” Evil overcomes the goodness within Jekyll. Hyde grows
stronger and more dominant and takes over.
"To be more wicked, tenfold more wicked, sold a slave Realises his ability to be evil and how the evil side is
to my original evil” stronger, making him into a slave that obeys.
If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers Jekyll knows what he has done is wrong and he must
also. face the consequences for it.
Jekyll and Hyde. Good is represented by several characters like Utterson, Enfield, Lanyon, the trampled girl, and
qualities like respect, reputation, charitable work, and sympathy. The idea is that this struggle exists within
everyone. Hyde’s actions towards innocent people reveal his purely evil state. Religion plays a role in the
representation of this as well. Being religious and God are symbols of good whilst not following Christianity and
Satan is evil. Good and evil is directly linked to duality and Jekyll’s idea of evil and good within everyone. He
initially believes he can keep these two in balance like in ying yang, but later finds out evil comes stronger than his
good side. The setting in London reflects the theme too; the good and wealthy parts of London are free of crime
whilst the poor areas like Soho are a common place for crime. Due to the rarity of crime and evil among the upper
classes, they have a particular interest in the subject. Lanyon is a character that represents goodness. His reaction
to Hyde's transformation reveals his innocent nature and how he isn’t able to handle the violence he witnessed. It
can be argued Hyde isn’t evil because although his actions seem evil, he is programmed to do that. He doesn’t
have a different way of living or the ability to feel remorse or guilt. His nature does not allow him to do such things.
Quotes Analysis
“All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled Jekyll believes no human is entirely good or entirely evil.
out of good and evil.” Commingled suggests there is a mix of both. He
believes accepting both sides leads to peace initially.
The verb also highlights that there is a closeness
between the two.
“Alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil” Jekyll has created Hyde to be purely evil but he himself
remains dual.
“Satan’s signature upon a face” Hyde is directly associated with the devil. Signature
suggests he is bound to be the way he is and this is
decided by Satan himself.
“The man trampled calmly over the child’s body”. Violation of innocence with a careless manner. Against
the morals of victorians. Trample and calm create an
oxymoron.
“I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self” Evil overcomes the goodness within Jekyll. Hyde grows
stronger and more dominant and takes over.
"To be more wicked, tenfold more wicked, sold a slave Realises his ability to be evil and how the evil side is
to my original evil” stronger, making him into a slave that obeys.
If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers Jekyll knows what he has done is wrong and he must
also. face the consequences for it.
