Dr. Jekyll and Mr.

Hyde - Robert Louis Stevenson

Q. Analyse the Significance of Title of Robert Louis Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Ans: The title Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson plays a crucial role in highlighting the central
themes of the novella, particularly the duality of human nature, identity, and moral conflict. The juxtaposition of the two
characters, Dr. Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, within the title reflects the tension between the contrasting aspects of a single
human being and underscores the psychological, social, and philosophical questions at the heart of the narrative. The title is
both literal and symbolic, and its significance can be explored through its implications for character development, moral
exploration, and the broader commentary on society and science.

At its core, the title emphasizes the duality of human nature. The character of Dr. Jekyll, a respected physician, represents the
good, civilized, and socially accepted aspects of humanity. He is wealthy, intelligent, and maintains a reputable position in
society. In contrast, Mr. Hyde is a creature of pure malevolence, an embodiment of evil and the darker side of human nature.
Hyde’s very name evokes a sense of hiding or concealment—he is not merely a person but an unrecognizable, monstrous
figure, the antithesis of Jekyll’s socially acceptable persona.

The use of “Strange Case” in the title also implies the bewildering nature of Jekyll and Hyde’s relationship. It hints that the
transformation between the two characters is not merely a physical alteration but something far more complex. The "strange"
quality suggests an unnatural or mysterious phenomenon, one that defies logical explanation. This duality between Jekyll and
Hyde is the novella’s driving force: it illustrates that even the most outwardly respectable individuals may harbor darker
desires and traits, a theme that reflects the Victorian anxiety about the complexities of human nature.

The title draws attention to the idea that identity is not singular, but fragmented. Jekyll’s experiment, which aims to separate
his good and evil sides, demonstrates the artificial nature of this division. The novella critiques the assumption that one can
fully distinguish between the virtuous and the immoral aspects of oneself. It suggests that such a separation is not only
impossible but dangerous, as Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde grows increasingly uncontrollable. The title, therefore, reflects
the core idea that human nature is inherently dualistic, and to deny or try to repress one’s darker side can lead to destructive
consequences.

The significance of the title also lies in its reflection of the moral conflict at the heart of the story. The names Jekyll and Hyde
symbolize a struggle between good and evil, and their contrasting qualities bring into question the nature of morality. Jekyll,
as a man of science and ethics, is associated with respectability, order, and virtue, while Hyde represents unchecked hedonism,
cruelty, and chaos. The novella suggests that the repression of one’s darker impulses can lead to their eventual eruption, as
seen when Jekyll loses control over his transformations into Hyde.

The word “strange” in the title also points to the mystery and the sense of the unknown that pervades the novella. The
transformation between Jekyll and Hyde is inexplicable, and the more the story unfolds, the more mysterious it becomes.
The very nature of Jekyll and Hyde’s relationship defies the scientific explanations that Jekyll seeks, highlighting the limits of
reason and the unknown elements of human psychology. The title suggests that the events of the story are not simply strange
in a superficial sense, but fundamentally ungraspable, existing outside the bounds of rational understanding.

The “strange” quality is further emphasized by the fact that the characters themselves—Jekyll, Hyde, and even those around
them—cannot fully comprehend the phenomenon. Mr. Utterson, the lawyer, is baffled by the peculiar connection between
Jekyll and Hyde, and Dr. Lanyon’s shock at witnessing the transformation reflects the overwhelming strangeness of what is
happening. By using the word "strange," Stevenson highlights the unsettling aspect of the story, reinforcing the sense that
human nature, identity, and morality are not easily understood or controlled.

In addition to its focus on individual identity and moral conflict, the title also serves as a critique of Victorian society’s emphasis
on outward respectability. Victorian society was characterized by rigid social norms and an intense focus on maintaining a
virtuous public image. The title's contrast between Dr. Jekyll’s dignified persona and Mr. Hyde’s criminality underscores the
hypocrisy of a society that expects individuals to conform to strict moral codes while often repressing or ignoring their base
instincts. Stevenson, through the character of Jekyll, critiques the Victorian tendency to compartmentalize the self, placing
one’s public and private lives into separate spheres. The title, then, becomes a commentary on the dangers of such repression
and the eventual consequences of attempting to hide or suppress one's true nature.

The title Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde encapsulates the novella's exploration of the duality of human nature, the
moral conflict within the individual, and the tensions between science, morality, and societal expectations. The contrasting
names of Jekyll and Hyde symbolize the struggle between good and evil, while the word “strange” evokes the mystery and
irrationality surrounding this conflict. Through its title, Stevenson invites readers to confront the complexities and
contradictions of human identity, ultimately suggesting that to deny or attempt to separate the darker aspects of the self can
lead to catastrophic consequences. The title, therefore, serves as a powerful lens through which the novella’s deeper themes
and social commentary are revealed.

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