Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Theme of Good vs. Evil

(Click the themes infographic to download.)

Good vs. evil is basically the novel’s biggest theme. More specifically, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is easily viewed as an allegory about the good and evil that exist in all men, and about our struggle with these two sides of the human personality. In this book, then, the battle between good and evil rages within the individual. The question is which is superior. Since Hyde seems to be taking over, one could argue that evil is stronger than good. However, Hyde does end up dead at the end of the story, perhaps suggesting a weakness or failure of evil. The big question, of course, is whether or not good can be separated from evil, or whether the two are forever intertwined.

1. How and where does the battle between good and evil play out in this book? Most importantly, who wins?
2. What is the relationship between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?
3. Dr. Jekyll was trying to separate himself into two versions: Good and Evil. But what he got was normal Dr. Jekyll and pure, unadulterated evil Mr. Hyde. Why did he only get an evil version of himself?
4. On the good vs. evil spectrum, where does Mr. Utterson fall?

The relationship between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde begins as father/son then shifts to that of equals vying determinedly for dominance.