Dr Jekyll And Hyde Key Quotes

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Aug 29, 2025 · 7 min read

Dr Jekyll And Hyde Key Quotes
Dr Jekyll And Hyde Key Quotes

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    Unmasking the Dualities: Key Quotes from Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

    Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a gothic novella that continues to fascinate readers and critics alike. Its enduring appeal stems from its exploration of duality, the inherent conflict between good and evil within the human psyche. This exploration is powerfully conveyed through carefully chosen quotes that resonate long after the final page is turned. This article delves into some of the most significant quotes from the novel, examining their context, significance, and enduring relevance to our understanding of human nature and the enduring battle between our virtuous and vicious selves.

    Introduction: The Power of Language in Jekyll and Hyde

    Stevenson masterfully uses language to create a chilling atmosphere and to reveal the psychological transformation of his protagonist. The quotes discussed below are not merely snippets of dialogue; they are carefully crafted pieces that reflect the thematic core of the narrative: the struggle between repression and liberation, respectability and depravity, and ultimately, the inherent duality of human existence. Understanding these key quotes provides crucial insight into the novel's deeper meaning and its lasting impact on literature.

    Key Quotes and Their Significance:

    1. "Man is not truly one, but truly two."

    This statement, though not explicitly uttered by a character, acts as the novel's central thesis. It encapsulates the core idea that human nature is not monolithic but rather a complex interplay of opposing forces. Jekyll's experiment, his attempt to separate these forces, ultimately proves the fallacy of such a simplistic division. The duality isn't simply a matter of good versus evil; it's a far more nuanced and inherent aspect of human experience. This quote sets the stage for the entire narrative, highlighting the inherent conflict that drives Jekyll's actions and ultimately leads to his downfall.

    2. "With every day, and from both sides of my intelligence, the moral and the intellectual, I thus drew steadily nearer to that truth, by whose partial discovery I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two."

    This quote, directly from Jekyll's narrative, provides a more detailed explanation of his intellectual journey toward his devastating discovery. The phrase "both sides of my intelligence, the moral and the intellectual" points to the dual nature of his approach. He intellectually pursued the separation of his good and evil selves, but his moral compass, while present, was ultimately overridden by his intellectual curiosity. The "dreadful shipwreck" is a foreshadowing of the tragic consequences of his actions, underscoring the inherent risks involved in tampering with the fundamental aspects of human nature. The repetition of "truly two" emphasizes the irrefutable nature of this duality.

    3. "I felt younger, lighter, happier in body; within I was conscious of a heady recklessness, a current of disordered sensual images running like a millrace in my fancy, a solution of the bonds of obligation, an emancipation from all that had ever before restrained me."

    This passage vividly describes Hyde's exhilaration and the liberation he feels in his monstrous form. The sensory details – "younger, lighter, happier in body" – contrast sharply with Jekyll's previous constrained and respectable existence. The release from "the bonds of obligation" is crucial; it showcases the allure of unrestrained freedom, even if it means embracing the darker aspects of one's personality. This quote highlights the seductive power of giving in to base desires and the temporary gratification it offers.

    4. "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."

    This profound statement comes from Jekyll's final confession. He acknowledges the impossibility of separating the two natures completely. The "two natures" are not distinct entities but rather inseparable aspects of his being. He realizes that his attempt at artificial separation was inherently flawed. The phrase "radically both" emphasizes the deep-rooted and fundamental nature of this duality, rendering the attempt at separation not only impossible but also fundamentally misguided. The quote reflects a profound understanding of human nature – a self-awareness that comes only after the devastating consequences of his actions have unfolded.

    5. "If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also."

    This statement reveals the profound sense of guilt and remorse that consumes Jekyll. He acknowledges his transgression and the suffering that results. This self-awareness, however, does not offer solace or redemption. Rather, it intensifies his suffering, highlighting the moral weight of his actions and the inescapability of the consequences. The quote serves as a stark reminder of the potential for self-destruction when one attempts to repress or suppress fundamental aspects of their being.

    6. "The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde. I give him a week’s notice."

    This seemingly arrogant claim from Jekyll reveals his initial naiveté and underestimation of the transformation's power. His belief that he has complete control over the situation is demonstrably false, showing a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature of his internal conflict. His attempt to maintain control, even with a seemingly generous timeline, foreshadows his inevitable failure and the increasing dominance of Hyde. This quote's irony becomes evident as the story progresses and Jekyll's control progressively diminishes.

    7. "My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring."

    This visceral imagery captures the unleashed power of Hyde and the intensity of the transformation. The metaphor of a "caged devil" emphasizes the repressed nature of Hyde and the overwhelming force of his release. The "roaring" sound signifies not only Hyde's physical strength but also his unrestrained viciousness and the chaos he brings. The quote demonstrates the consequences of suppressing primal instincts and the potential for a cataclysmic eruption when such repression is broken.

    8. "All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone, in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil."

    Utterson's observation highlights the extraordinary nature of Hyde. Unlike other individuals who possess a mixture of good and evil, Hyde represents pure, unadulterated evil. This statement establishes Hyde as an exceptional case, a physical manifestation of the darkest aspects of human nature, thereby enhancing the novel’s exploration of the inherent duality within humanity. This quote underscores the chilling nature of Hyde’s existence, highlighting the stark contrast between him and the rest of society.

    9. "The care was all too evident now. He was changed. He was a pale, nervous, and drawn man."

    This quote describes Jekyll’s deteriorating physical condition. The outward signs of his inner turmoil – paleness, nervousness, and a drawn appearance – reflect the toll that his internal conflict takes on his body and mind. This physical manifestation of psychological distress serves as a powerful visual representation of the devastating consequences of his experiment. This quote is vital in highlighting the effects of the suppressed Hyde on Jekyll's exterior appearance and health.

    10. "The doors were bolted; the window too was fastened."

    This seemingly simple detail is highly symbolic. The bolted doors and fastened window represent Jekyll's desperate attempts to keep Hyde contained, both literally and metaphorically. This action symbolizes his failure to control his own inner demons and the ever-increasing power of the suppressed evil within him. The seemingly mundane act becomes a powerful visual representation of the psychological confinement and impending doom that await Jekyll.

    Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Jekyll and Hyde

    The enduring power of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde lies in its exploration of universal themes. The quotes examined above offer a glimpse into the complex psychological landscape of the novel, highlighting the inherent duality of human nature and the perilous consequences of suppressing our darker instincts. Stevenson’s masterful use of language, combined with his profound insights into the human psyche, continues to resonate with readers across generations, making this novella a timeless classic of gothic literature. The exploration of good and evil, the struggle for self-control, and the consequences of unchecked desire remain as relevant and compelling today as they were upon the novel's publication. The quotes discussed here serve as powerful touchstones, providing entry points into a deeper understanding of the novel's profound complexities and lasting significance. The lasting impact of Jekyll and Hyde is a testament to Stevenson’s skillful storytelling and his unflinching exploration of humanity’s darkest and most fascinating contradictions.

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