Jekyll and Hyde: Key Messages & Themes

What is one of Stevenson’s key messages in Jekyll and Hyde?

• Everyone has a dark side they try to hide

• Science can solve all problems

• Reputation is not important in society

• People should avoid learning

What theme is explored through Jekyll’s experiments?

• The dangers of playing God and pushing scientific boundaries

• The joy of discovery

• The importance of teamwork

• The value of education

How does Stevenson present Victorian society’s obsession with appearances?

• People care more about reputation than truth

• Everyone is proud of their bad side

• Only criminals care about appearances

• Reputation doesn’t matter

What does Hyde represent in the novel?

• Success and intelligence

• The evil, hidden side of human nature

• A misunderstood hero

• A poor victim of science

Why is Jekyll unable to control Hyde in the end?

• Evil grows stronger the more it is indulged

• He becomes too ill

• Hyde is smarter

• Utterson betrays him

How does the setting reflect the themes of the novel?

• The dark streets and fog symbolise secrecy and duality

• London is shown as a happy place

• Nature is more important than science

• The setting has no link to the theme

What does Stevenson suggest about repression and desire?

• Hiding desires can lead to dangerous outcomes

• Desires disappear over time

• Only poor people have desires

• Repression always leads to success

How is duality shown in Dr Jekyll?

• He is two different people physically

• He struggles between his respectable self and his darker urges

• He wants to live abroad

• He has two jobs

What message does Stevenson give about science?

• It can be dangerous when used irresponsibly

• It always leads to progress

• It should replace religion

• It solves all personal problems

Why is Hyde described as ‘hardly human’?

• He is from another country

• He has no education

• He represents the animalistic and primal side of man

• He is an alien