Context: Evolution

Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution had a profound effect on Victorian society. The novel may be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of Darwin’s theory.

The character of Dr Jekyll, a cultured and respectable gentleman could be seen as the highly evolved human while Mr. Hyde, the violent, repulsive creature represents the lower, primal form of man.
Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde might signify a regression to a more primitive human form, in line with the concept of ‘devolution’
The struggle between Jekyll and Hyde within the same body could symbolize the conflict between the refined and lower aspects of human nature, mirroring the struggle for survival posited by natural selection.
The idea that Hyde grows in strength as Jekyll weakens reflects the survival of the fittest concept, where the stronger and more adapted species overshadow the weaker ones.
The story takes the concept of human duality presented by evolution, and places it in a moral context, exploring the link between morality and humanity.

Themes

Across the novel, several themes stand out that are indicative of the Victorian fear associated with Darwin’s theories.

1. Duality of Human Nature Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde serves as an exploration of the duality of human nature, manifesting the primal, brutish side of man in Hyde, and the sophisticated, socially acceptable side in Jekyll.

2. The Primitive within the Civilized The disturbing physical transformation from Jekyll into Hyde evidences the existence of the primitive within the veneer of Victorian civility, corroborating fears spurred by Darwinism.

3. Repression and Hypocrisy The repression of base desires, and their expressed form as Mr. Hyde, mirrors Victorian society’s hypocrisy and repression, elements contrary to the presupposed discontinuity between man and beast posited by Darwin.

Quotes Analysis

Studying key lines and their implications can help understand the impact of Evolution as a contextual factor on the novel.

“Man is not truly one, but truly two.” A direct admission of duality by Jekyll, highlighting the novel’s exploration of dual nature.
“Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.” Implying Hyde represented the negative aspects of human nature, pure and undiluted.
“My devil had long been caged, he came out roaring.” Symbolic of the destructive power of man’s primal instincts when repressed.

Consider these pointers as you study ‘Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’, assessing the role that the context of Evolution plays in shaping the characters, themes, and narrative of the novel.