Choose a novel which explores an important theme. Show how the author has explored this theme.<\/p>\n
Robert Louis Stevenson\u2019s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a novel which explores the theme of good versus evil. We can look at how Stevenson develops this theme through his characters Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde and Mr Utterson.<\/p>\n
The first time we see the theme of good versus evil is in the first chapter when a mysterious figure, Hyde, tramples a child in the street and shows no remorse. The text tells us that \u2018the man trampled calmly over the child\u2019s body and left her screaming on the ground\u2019. The word \u2018trampled\u2019 tells us how he walked over the child, the word \u2018calmly\u2019 makes this seem evil though because he is not bothered about his actions, even worse he ignores her \u2018screams\u2019 \u2013 a clear sign that she is in pain. This shows us Hyde is evil as a normal person would react to the injured child and help her and apologise \u2013 Hyde does none of this showing he is bad. <\/p>\n
Another way in which the theme of good versus evil is explored is through the setting of Dr Jekyll\u2019s house \u2013 the front represents Jekyll and the back Hyde. We are told Jekyll\u2019s house has a \u2018comfortable hall\u2026 warmed \u2026 by a bright open fire, and furnished with costly cabinets of oak\u2019 whereas we are told the lab is a \u2018certain sinister block of building\u2019. Jekyll is quite a jolly person and we see this in his house \u2013 it is \u2018comfortable\u2019 meaning relaxed, it is \u2018warmed\u2019 suggesting it is inviting, and it is \u2018open\u2019 which bears connotations of an open personality. Hyde on the other hand is secretive and deformed which is encapsulated in the adjective \u2018sinister\u2019 to describe the lab. The front of the house represents Jekyll and therefore goodness and a good reputation and the lab represents Hyde and evil. <\/p>\n
A third way in which we see good versus evil developed as a theme is when Hyde brutally murders Carew in public and in cold blood. We are told Hyde behaved \u2018like a madman\u2019 and we get a graphic description of Hyde with \u2018ape-like fury\u2019 \u2018trampling his victim underfoot, and hailing down a storm of blows, under which bones were audibly shattered\u2019. The simile at the start, \u2018madman\u2019 tells us he is psychotic and uncontrollable. This is reinforced with the second simile of \u2018ape-like fury\u2019 \u2013 he is animalistic. The description at the end is nauseating, we can easily picture and hear what is happening. The strength of the attack is given in the word \u2018storm\u2019 \u2013 Hyde is raging at Carew. This develops the theme of evil as Hyde\u2019s attack was unprovoked, his reaction is instinctive and spurred by frustration, he does not think he merely acts on his whims. <\/p>\n
Mr Utterson contributes to the theme of good versus evil as he attempts to protect Jekyll\u2019s reputation through investigating Mr Hyde \u2013 there are several points where he should involve police but hides the truth instead. Mr Utterson realises Hyde and Jekyll have the same handwriting and he says \u2018Henry Jekyll forge for a murderer!\u2019 before his \u2018blood ran cold\u2019. This tells us that Utterson is scared for his friend, Jekyll\u2019s compliance in faking Hyde\u2019s writing shows he sides with the murderer. This shows us good versus evil as Jekyll has made the wrong decision in siding with Hyde and we see him sliding down the spectrum of behaviour towards evil. <\/p>\n
The final way in which good versus evil is explored is Jekyll\u2019s suicide at the end which kills both himself and Hyde showing the triumph of good. We are told in Jekyll\u2019s own words that \u2018I bring the life of that unhappy Henry Jekyll to an end\u2019 and we know that Utterson and Poole discover the body of Hyde from whom \u2018life was quite gone\u2019. Both characters are dead and at Jekyll\u2019s decision, he concedes that his life has not been fun because of Hyde. We can see then that Jekyll in killing himself also kills Hyde, the symbols of good and evil are both dead for the greater good of ridding the world of Hyde.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Choose a novel which explores an important theme. Show how the author has explored this theme. Robert Louis Stevenson\u2019s Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a novel which explores the theme of good versus evil. We can look at how Stevenson develops this theme through his characters Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde and Mr Utterson. The … Continue reading Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde sample class essay<\/span>