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'Mr Hyde lives up to his name; he hides both himself and Jekyll.' How far do you agree with this view? Explore at least two moments from the novel to support your ideas. - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 8
'Mr Hyde lives up to his name; he hides both himself and Jekyll.' How far do you agree with this view? Explore at least two moments from the novel to support your i... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'Mr Hyde lives up to his name; he hides both himself and Jekyll.' How far do you agree with this view? Explore at least two moments from the novel to support your ideas. - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explore the duality of Jekyll and Hyde
Answer
In the novel, one of the key moments illustrating Mr. Hyde's hidden nature occurs during the transformation scenes. When Jekyll drinks the potion, he undergoes a dramatic physical metamorphosis into Hyde, representing the darker aspects of his personality. The moment of transformation is not just a physical change; it symbolizes the concealment of Jekyll's true self, as Hyde embodies the repressed desires and moral degradation that Jekyll has worked to hide from society. This duality emphasizes the theme of identity and how individuals can hide behind societal expectations.
Another significant moment is when Hyde commits heinous acts, such as the murder of Sir Danvers Carew. This incident showcases Hyde's complete lack of regard for human life, further accentuating the notion that he represents the darker side of Jekyll’s character. Jekyll’s inability to control these actions reflects how deeply hidden aspects of our personalities can manifest violently when suppressed, affirming the view that both Hyde and Jekyll hide aspects of themselves from the world.
Step 2
Examine the public versus private persona
Answer
Additionally, the contrast between Jekyll's revered status in society and Hyde's criminal nature underscores the theme of societal facade. Jekyll is a respected scientist and friend to many, but his connection to Hyde reveals the darker undercurrents of his life. For instance, when Jekyll hosts dinner parties, he presents an image of a perfect gentleman, concealing his inner turmoil and the existence of Hyde. This stark difference between public persona and private life highlights how individuals often hide their true selves from others.
Ultimately, the tragic conclusion of Jekyll’s struggle with these two identities culminates in his decision to take his own life to escape Hyde. This act serves as a powerful statement on the futility of trying to suppress one’s true self, as it ultimately leads to destruction. Through these moments, it becomes evident that Mr. Hyde not only hides from society but also reveals the complexities of human identity.