Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Key Theme: Good and Evil (AQA GCSE English Literature): Revision Note

Good and evil mind map      

The theme of good and evil in key chapters of Jekyll and Hyde:

What are the elements of good and evil in Jekyll and Hyde?

The elements of good and evil in the novella include: 

• Jekyll’s struggle with good and evil: Jekyll attempts to maintain a moral existence (“good shone upon the countenance”), but is tempted to indulge in his evil side, which results in the creation of his alter ego, Hyde:

  • He believes that it is the “curse of mankind” that good and evil are bound together within him (“commingled out of good and evil”) and thus the two parts are in direct conflict with one another

• Hyde as the manifestation of evil: Stevenson depicts Hyde as an inherently violent character and he displays no remorse for his crimes:

  • Stevenson highlights Hyde’s separateness from human society and the word “evil” is used repeatedly in reference to him

  • Both of Hyde’s victims are presented as innocent and vulnerable which elicits sympathy from the reader and makes them horrified at the evilness of his actions

• Utterson’s moral integrity: Unlike Jekyll, Utterson resists temptation and values morality:

  • Utterson is not only Jekyll’s lawyer but he is also a good and loyal friend who is concerned for Jekyll’s wellbeing

  • He admits to Jekyll that he does not approve of Hyde, but promises Jekyll that he will help Hyde should Jekyll die, showing that Utterson is honourable and trustworthy

• Lanyon’s dramatic decline: Lanyon’s shock at the existence of evil, after witnessing Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde, is the cause of his mental and physical decline and eventual death:

  • “I have had a shock… and I shall never recover”

• The fog: Stevenson describes the choking fog which hangs over the city like a shroud, which heightens the atmosphere of mystery and secrecy:

  • The fog symbolises the blurred lines between good and evil and hints at hidden secrets and desires

  • It also heightens the novella’s atmosphere of suspense, tension and mystery, highlighting the uncertainty of human nature

The impact of good and evil on characters

The theme of good and evil is prevalent throughout the novella and has an impact on many of the characters. 

Why does Stevenson use the theme of good and evil in his novella?

1.  Setting and atmosphere 

• Establishes a sinister and oppressive atmosphere that conveys the evil lurking beneath the surface of a respectable Victorian society

• Creates a contrast between the dark and sinister fog-filled streets of London with the grandeur and respectability of Jekyll’s home

2. Plot driver 

• Conveys the dark consequences of indulging in evil, as Hyde’s increasing dominance over Jekyll results in his destruction 

3. Audience appeal

• Reflects discussions about what constitutes human nature and that people were not merely either good or evil 

• Engages readers by presenting Hyde as a truly horrifying and terrifying character 

4. Narrative device  

• Heightens tension by keeping Hyde’s true identity hidden until the final chapter which makes the battle between good and evil more shocking

Exam-style questions on the theme of good and evil

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of good and evil: 

• To what extent does Stevenson suggest that evil is stronger than good in the novella? (You could start with Hyde’s increasing dominance over Jekyll.)

• How does Stevenson present the conflict between good and evil? (You could start with Jekyll’s inner struggles as he tries to suppress his darker side.)