Question

Can you explain one gothic theme present in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Answer 1

One of the themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is definitely the contrast between personal desires and the public image. More than once, Dr. Jekyll admits to his want of things that his public image as a gentleman would not allow him (what would people think?). He admits in the novel that at first he is glad for the hedonistic actions of the self-indulgent Hyde but when he takes things to a level that become too aggressive, Jekyll become fearful of his counterpart. This division of the self show the public image one creates through self restraint and possibly the pressures of maintaining a good public image and the secret desires that man is taught should be suppressed or are shameful.