Understanding the pivotal quotes from Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is essential for grasping the novel’s themes, characters, and underlying messages. These quotes encapsulate the moral struggles, duality, and societal commentary that make the novella a timeless classic. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most significant quotes from Jekyll and Hyde, analyze their meanings, and examine their relevance within the story’s context.
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Introduction to Key Quotes in Jekyll and Hyde
The novel is rich with memorable lines that reflect its central themes of duality, morality, and the nature of evil. These quotes serve as windows into the characters’ minds and the moral dilemmas they face. Whether spoken by Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Hyde, or other characters, each quote reveals layers of meaning and contributes to the novel’s lasting impact.
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Major Quotes and Their Significance
Below is a curated list of some of the most important quotes from Jekyll and Hyde, along with detailed explanations:
1. "Man is not truly one, but truly two."
Context: This line is spoken by Dr. Jekyll himself during his confession and encapsulates the core theme of duality.
Significance:
- Highlights the central idea that every person harbors conflicting aspects—good and evil.
- Suggests that human nature is inherently complex and that internal struggles are universal.
- Sets the foundation for Jekyll’s experiments to separate these dual sides.
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2. "The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde." - Dr. Jekyll
Context: Jekyll claims he can control Hyde at will, emphasizing the perceived dominance over his darker side.
Significance:
- Reflects Jekyll’s initial belief in moral control and self-restraint.
- Foreshadows his eventual loss of control, illustrating how repression can backfire.
- Demonstrates the illusion of moral superiority and the danger of denying one’s darker impulses.
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3. "Mr. Hyde was pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation." - Narrator
Context: Descriptive narration of Hyde’s physical appearance.
Significance:
- Symbolizes Hyde’s corrupt moral nature manifesting physically.
- Represents the idea that evil can distort one’s outward appearance.
- Contrasts with Jekyll’s respectable exterior, emphasizing the duality theme.
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4. "All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil." - Dr. Jekyll
Context: Jekyll articulates his philosophical stance on human nature.
Significance:
- Reinforces the novel’s exploration of moral ambiguity.
- Suggests that good and evil coexist within everyone, making moral judgment complex.
- Encourages readers to reflect on their own nature and societal perceptions.
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5. "I learned to recognize the pregnant make of the truth." - Mr. Utterson
Context: Utterson reflects on the revelations about Jekyll and Hyde.
Significance:
- Emphasizes the importance of understanding and acknowledging uncomfortable truths.
- Highlights the novel’s moral lesson about repression and the dangers of hiding one’s true self.
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6. "The powers of Hyde seemed to increase upon the moment, and as time went on, the evil side of Jekyll became more dominant." - Narrator
Context: This observation describes the gradual dominance of Hyde over Jekyll.
Significance:
- Demonstrates how evil can grow if suppressed or unchecked.
- Underlines the tragic evolution of Jekyll’s internal struggle.
- Serves as a warning about the consequences of moral repression.
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Symbolic Quotes Reflecting Themes
Some quotes are not only significant for their words but also for what they symbolize:
7. "The duality of man is the very essence of existence." - Thematic Reflection
Significance:
- Captures the philosophical core of the novel.
- Suggests that embracing both sides of human nature is essential for understanding oneself.
8. "Evil is lurking within us all." - Moral Reflection
Significance:
- Serves as a reminder that evil is not external but internal.
- Challenges the reader to confront their own capacity for vice.
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Quotes Related to Morality and Society
The novel also comments critically on Victorian society through its quotes:
9. "The city was a great place for hiding secrets." - Narrator
Significance:
- Reflects societal hypocrisy and the concealment of vice.
- Suggests that urban environments provide anonymity for immoral acts.
10. "Respectable society has its own secrets." - Thematic Insight
Significance:
- Highlights the hypocrisy of societal norms.
- Implies that appearances can be deceiving, and morality is often superficial.
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Impactful Quotes and Their Literary Devices
Stevenson employs various literary devices in his quotes to deepen their meaning:
Use of Contrast
- Many quotes emphasize the contrast between Jekyll and Hyde, such as their physical descriptions and moral qualities.
Symbolism
- Hyde often symbolizes unchecked primal instincts and evil.
Repetition
- Recurrent themes of duality reinforce the novel’s message.
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How to Use These Quotes in Analysis
When writing essays or engaging in discussions about Jekyll and Hyde, consider these tips:
- Contextualize the quote within the story. Know who is speaking and what events are unfolding.
- Analyze the deeper meaning behind the words, relating them to themes like morality, duality, and repression.
- Connect quotes to characters to understand their psychological states and moral dilemmas.
- Use quotes to support your arguments about the novel’s message and literary significance.
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Conclusion: The Power of Quotes in Jekyll and Hyde
The key quotes from Jekyll and Hyde encapsulate the complex themes of human duality, morality, and societal facades. They serve as powerful tools for understanding the characters’ inner conflicts and the novel’s broader moral questions. Whether examining Jekyll’s philosophical reflections or Hyde’s sinister descriptions, these quotes enrich our appreciation of Stevenson’s timeless exploration of good and evil. Incorporating these lines into analysis not only deepens comprehension but also highlights the enduring relevance of the novel’s insights into human nature.
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Meta Description:
Discover the most important key quotes from Jekyll and Hyde, their meanings, and how they reveal themes of duality, morality, and societal hypocrisy in Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novella.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the quote 'Man is not truly one, but truly two' in Jekyll and Hyde?
This quote highlights the central theme of duality in the novella, emphasizing the idea that every person has both good and evil within them, which Jekyll struggles to reconcile.
How does the quote 'I stood already committed to a profound duplicity of life' reflect Jekyll's internal conflict?
It illustrates Jekyll's acknowledgment of his dual nature and his moral struggle to balance his respectable self with his darker impulses.
What does the quote 'The devil was quite gone from his face' imply about Hyde's influence over Jekyll?
This suggests that Hyde’s evil presence has overtaken Jekyll’s moral character, symbolizing the dominance of his darker side.
Why is the quote 'If he be Mr. Hyde... I shall be Mr. Seek' considered humorous and symbolic?
It plays on the words 'Hyde' and 'hide,' implying a detective-like pursuit to find and understand Hyde, symbolizing Jekyll’s quest to uncover his own darker nature.
What is the meaning behind the quote 'All human beings ... are commingled out of good and evil'?
This quote emphasizes the universal nature of duality, suggesting that everyone possesses both virtuous and wicked qualities.
How does the quote 'My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring' depict Jekyll's transformation into Hyde?
It metaphorically describes the release of Jekyll’s suppressed evil side (Hyde), indicating the destructive power of his darker impulses when unleashed.
What does the quote 'I was slowly losing hold of my original and better self' reveal about Jekyll's moral decline?
It shows Jekyll’s growing inability to control his darker alter ego, leading to the dominance of Hyde and the loss of his moral integrity.
How is the quote 'The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde' misleading or true?
While Jekyll believes he can easily control or dismiss Hyde at will, the story reveals that Hyde’s influence grows stronger, making this control more fragile than he thinks.
