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Themes in. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. What is a theme?. A theme is an idea or message that a writer is exploring through a literary work. These ideas are universal, meaning everyone can relate to or understand them.
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Themesin The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
What is a theme? • A theme is an idea or message that a writer is exploring through a literary work. • These ideas are universal, meaning everyone can relate to or understand them. • These ideas or messages attempt to say, question or teach something about life, human existence, and the society and world we live in. • A theme is not the subject, topic or plot. • A theme is the deeper meaning of the story.
What is a motif? • A motif is a recurring object, place or image that is symbolic in nature and usually connects to the deeper meaning or themes of a literary work
Themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Subject: Duality in human nature • Is it possible for a person to be both good and evil? • If so, what makes this possible? • Does this duality exist for everyone? • Should we accept our duality, or should we strive to be wholly one way? • What are the consequences of denying our duality, or repressing one side of ourselves? *There are opposing forces in all things *There are opposing forces within all people
Themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Subject: The Effects of Society on the Individual Stevenson shows the civilizing influence as well the restricting and debilitating effects of society. • How do societal expectations shape our behavior? • Is it always right to conform to societal expectations? • When is it acceptable to reject societies expectations? • What are the consequences of adhering to or ignoring societal expectations?
Themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Subject: Reason vs. supernatural Stevenson shows the limits of reason and science in dealing with the unexplainable. • How do we explain what science cannot? • How much do we cling to superstitions even if we know they are not real? • What are the consequences of relying too much on reason and science?
Themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Subject: Scientific Experimentation • Should there be limits? • What should these limits be? • Who should establish them? • What could be the consequences when science goes too far or not far enough?
Themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde • As we read the novella, consider the commentary the author is making on each of the subjects we discussed in these notes. • What does Stevenson want readers to understand about the subjects he explores in his work?