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  • Essay / Appearance and Personality: Duality of Human Nature in "Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"

    Table of ContentsIntroductionAppearance and Personality in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. HydeConclusionReferencesIntroductionStevenson writes about the duality of humanity – the concept that only one human being has good and bad in them. Stevenson explains that everyone's attitude has a positive and negative side, but what's important is how you act and the choices you make. The decisions people make determine whether a person is successful or not. In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jekyll is an educated and respected scientist whose personality secretly has a cruel and inhumane characteristic. This aspect of his personality is not active; but, through his experiences, he decides to trigger it. Thanks to the identity of Mr. Hyde, a criminal who commits brutal acts of violence against others, this side is involved. Stevenson reveals the duality of human nature through this change in Jekyll's character: the belief that everyone is capable of both rational and irrational acts. Therefore, this essay will analyze the representation of appearance and personality in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”?Get the original essayAppearance and Personality in Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeIn Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, duality is expressed throughout the short story several ways. The framework; The novella is set in London but draws heavily on Stevenson's memory of his hometown, Edinburgh, to create a frightening atmosphere that emphasizes themes of light and darkness. A posh townhouse with a ruined laboratory in the back is occupied by Jekyll. The townhouse is recognized as "posh", reflecting the fact that he is wealthy middle class and intends to display his wealth. Similar houses occupy the street on which his house is located, we are told. Hers, however, is the only one that has been tidy, organized and intact, and the rest appears to have been slightly disorganized. This fits Jekyll's character since we know that he values ​​his reputation and puts on a well-groomed and social appearance towards others, which is undoubtedly what his house does. Hyde, on the other hand, is a secretive creature who moves in the dark. The laboratory door sums up its character well. It sticks out, the windows are closed and the door has no knocker and has not been cleaned for entry, unlike the main house in an alley. The private essence of Hyde is imitated by the windows. He doesn't want people to interfere in his affairs. The unavailability of a knocker confirms that it does not want or expect visitors. Likewise, the messy door deters people from attempting a visit. The setting here, in the shape of a house, highlights the characters of Jekyll and Hyde and reinforces the concept of good versus evil. Additionally, Stevenson uses language to describe the duality of the two characters. Dr. Jekyll is considered a very influential, kind, knowledgeable and popular scientist. “He is the embodiment of “goodness”. "...every mark of ability and kindness - you could see by his appearance that he cherished Mr. Utterson." This indicates that Dr. Jekyll is compassionate and everyone thinks he is. The fact that he "cherishes" Mr. Utterson shows us that he loves and cares about his friends so much and cares so much about others that he is seen as an "angel". Mr. Hyde, on the other hand, is an inhumane, ugly and violent man who commits senseless acts of brutality against innocent people. He is the embodiment of “evil”. "...obsessing feeling of unexpressed deformity with which the fugitive impressed his.