Darwin in Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde - 1835 Words

In Robert Louis Stevensons The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, as well as in Charles Darwins On the Origin of Species of Natural Selection, mans dual nature is illustrated in terms of evolution and morality. In this essay I will argue that Stevensons description of both the interior and exterior struggles of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde echo Darwins theories of evolution and natural selection. Through close readings, comparisons, and the juxtaposition of the novel and theoretical genre, I will explain how Stevensons physical description of Edward Hyde can be divided into three streams (the primitive being, the animalistic, and the childlike) and mirrors Darwins argument that man still bears in his bodily frame the indelible†¦show more content†¦There is no rational reason as to why Hyde killed this innocent man, only that he could not contain himself and was completely overcome with the instinct to kill. Humans are dynamic parts of society, subject to learn restrain and that violent behavior is socially unacceptable. Hyde however, acts purely on his instincts, typical of an animal that early on learns the harsh realities of the food chain in the animal kingdom. This incorporation of animalistic discourse is also practiced by Darwin: The grounds upon this conclusion rests will never be shaken, for the close similarity between man the lower animals in embryonic development, as well as in innumerable points of structure and constitution, both of high and most trifling importance,- the rudiments which he retains, and the abnormal reversions to which he is occasionally liable.(Darwin, 1362) Here we see Darwin acknowledge our biological relationship to animals that cannot be argued. However, he also extends the relationship between intellectually inferior animals and humans to our behavior. As mentioned in the above quote, natural animal instincts such as the will for individual survival and the protection of children can be found in all animals, including humans. Darwin also acknowledges that humans can sometimes revert to purely animalistic behavior. HoweverShow MoreRelatedThe View of Human Nature Presented in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde3064 Words   |  13 PagesVictorians were very dedicated to their work and gave up their social life for the sake of others and for reputation. Stevenson used science as a base of his novel to suggest duality in human nature. In the same period as the novel was set Charles Darwin, a scientist had suggested that humans had evolved from apes. Stevenson portrays this with his description of the â€Å"animalistic† features of Hyde. Stevenson says ‘has Jekyll become the â€Å"ape-like† Hyde, who moves â€Å"like a monkey†? It’s as JekyllRead More Comparing League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Mary Reilly, and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde2163 Words   |  9 PagesLeague of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Mary Reilly, and Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde      Ã‚   Robert Louis Stevensons short novel, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has spawned many retellings of Dr. Jekylls tale, as well as variations on the theme. The Jekyll and Hyde conceit is one that lends itself to many different forms of literature, such as motion pictures and sequential art. Sometimes liberties are taken in reinterpretations of Mr. Hyde from the original text