In the novel ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ Robert Louis Stevenson explores humankinds conflicting forces of Good and Evil. Through the central characters and the key theme of the duplicity of mankind Robert Louis Stevenson successfully portrays the theme of Good and Evil in the novel ‘The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
In the novel good is portrayed by Henry Jekyll and Gabriel Utterson. Mr. Utterson is a London lawyer and an old friend of Henry Jekyll, he is loyal to his friends and is concerned about Henry Jekyll and questions him of his new friend Mr. Hyde to whom he has left his possessions in his will:
‘You know I never approved of it’
‘ ‘My will? Yes, certainly I know that’ said the doctor, a trifle sharply.’
The doctor has betrayed his old friend and left his possessions to a man who, to Mr. Utterson, he has only met but rather than being annoyed at Dr. Jekyll he is only concerned like a true friend would be.
Mr. Utterson tells the story from his point of view, he gives an honest and fair narrative role and this can be seen as ironic as it links back to his profession of a lawyer.
Dr. Jekyll also portrays good in the novel, he is an intelligent and dignified man, the people who know him respect him. He is a wealthy man and lives in comfort in a good house with loyal servants:
‘Henry Jekyll, MD, DCL, LLD, FRS’
This Shows Dr. Jekyll’s various professional qualifications, establishing he is an eminent and respected member of his profession.
However, although Henry Jekyll is good he is also evil, he is aware of his dual nature and is fascinated by his evil side. Dr. Jekyll stumbles upon a potion that gives him a new identity. He confesses to many secret indiscretions, which he enjoyed greatly as a child. When he becomes older he learns to suppress his desire for them. When he first makes the compound he discovers that he can release his evil side by becoming an entirely