Compare/Contrast Dr. J and Mr. H and the Picture of Dprian Grey Essay Example
Moira Smyth
AP Lit. & Comp.
Block 7
2-11-10
The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde vs. The Picture of Dorian Gray
The novels, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde; written by author Robert Louis Stevenson; and, The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Oscar Wilde, share the theme of duality of human nature and personality, and also the superficiality of society and reputation. They contain parallel themes. This is the novels’ utmost connection.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde takes on the quandary of the split human nature in a physical manner. In this novel, Dr. Jekyll tries to rid himself of his darker side by taking a potion he concocted to split his personalities into two separate individuals, Dr. Jekyll taking on his good nature, and Mr. Hyde assuming his inner evil self. “It was on the moral side, and in my own person, that I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both; and from an early date . . . I had learned to dwell with pleasure, as a beloved daydream, on the thought of the separation of these elements.” This quote reveals the inner turmoil Dr. Jekyll is experiencing within as a result of his conflicted personality.
The Picture of Dorian Gray covers the psychological position on dual nature in humans. In the novel, Dorian is a stunningly picturesque man, with a deeper evil nature. There is a portrait of him, which, whenever he performs his wicked deeds, distorts and becomes more and more revolting. Though he, himself, remains striking on the outside; his conscience deteriorates and he becomes less principled internally. “Society, civilized society at least, is never very ready to believe anything to the detriment of those who are both rich and fascinating. It feels instinctively that manners are of more importance than morals,
AP Lit. & Comp.
Block 7
2-11-10
The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde vs. The Picture of Dorian Gray
The novels, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde; written by author Robert Louis Stevenson; and, The Picture of Dorian Gray, written by Oscar Wilde, share the theme of duality of human nature and personality, and also the superficiality of society and reputation. They contain parallel themes. This is the novels’ utmost connection.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde takes on the quandary of the split human nature in a physical manner. In this novel, Dr. Jekyll tries to rid himself of his darker side by taking a potion he concocted to split his personalities into two separate individuals, Dr. Jekyll taking on his good nature, and Mr. Hyde assuming his inner evil self. “It was on the moral side, and in my own person, that I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both; and from an early date . . . I had learned to dwell with pleasure, as a beloved daydream, on the thought of the separation of these elements.” This quote reveals the inner turmoil Dr. Jekyll is experiencing within as a result of his conflicted personality.
The Picture of Dorian Gray covers the psychological position on dual nature in humans. In the novel, Dorian is a stunningly picturesque man, with a deeper evil nature. There is a portrait of him, which, whenever he performs his wicked deeds, distorts and becomes more and more revolting. Though he, himself, remains striking on the outside; his conscience deteriorates and he becomes less principled internally. “Society, civilized society at least, is never very ready to believe anything to the detriment of those who are both rich and fascinating. It feels instinctively that manners are of more importance than morals,