The novel Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson explores the duality of the human soul. Dr. Jekyll is one of the clearest literary examples of multiple personality disorder. The author gives direct hints that duality is inherent in every person, and it depends only on themself which nature, dark or light, will prevail. The story depicts schizophrenia not in its purest form. The story’s protagonist, Dr. Jekyll, is not sick because schizophrenic patients do not realize that they are dealing with themselves. The hero of Stevenson’s story understands this. He knows that the terrible Mr. Hyde is himself, his second person. Dr. Jekyll had moral values; he perfectly understood what is good evil. However, recognizing the two sides of his personality, Dr. Jekyll divides them into moral and intellectual to know each.
The hero of Stevenson’s story is convinced that morality cannot control the intellectual side. He also believes that the moral side, limited by moral values, is more compressed and constrained. Dr. Jekyll’s dual personality was disgusting. Thus, the author emphasizes that the moral nature of the protagonist of the story looks more beautiful; it is healthy and pure. And his intellectual side of entertainment and murder, Mr. Hyde, is short, ugly, unpleasant to look at. Thanks to this contrast and grotesque, the reader sees how different a person can be.
It is important to note that Dr. Jekyll himself manifested this disease with the help of medication. He did not think about what Hyde would start doing and what his actions might lead to. Dr. Jekyll acted out of scientific interest only. The intellectual side of the personality does not restrict a person in activities, does not confuse him, and subordinates a person’s will. The moral side of the individual limits freedom, guided by morality, norms, and rules, dividing good and evil. The hero of the story is intoxicated by releasing the intellectual side of his personality; he allows it more and more. Thus, from this novel, one can draw a lesson that despite the imperfections of the human soul inherent in every person, it is essential to bear good, constantly improve and fight the dark sides of the soul.