Jekyll And Mr Hyde Motivation

The motivation an individual has is relative and dependent on the goals and aspirations they possess. The influence an individual’s want has on their particular outcome is exemplified through the novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson. This novella recites the tale of a scientist, Dr. Jekyll who consumes a potion and is transformed into a malicious, dehumanized being known as Mr. Hyde. It showcases how Dr. Jekyll’s strive for perfection ultimately leads to the creation of his life-altering identity, Mr. Hyde. The motivation that destroys Dr. Jekyll stems from his desire to uphold appearances, his need for answers and the repression in Victorian society. The nature of an individual’s desire is the dictator

In an environment with such strict moral conducts, the people seen as odd become ostracized to promote a false sense of perfection. The title character expertly illustrates the hiding of one's self to conform to society’s expectations. Ordinarily seen as an ideal respectable scientist, Dr. Jekyll describes himself by saying “hence it came about that I concealed my pleasures”(31). This quote exemplifies how Dr. Jekyll had hidden his dark, sinful side to be favored as a calm man against all things immoral. As the negative aspects of Dr. Jekyll’s identity were deemed socially unacceptable, he had to find a way to adapt to the ideals despite them opposing his real character. The suppression experienced by the scientist is most evident in the way he allows himself to be perceived, “from the high views that I had set before me, I regarded and hid them with an almost morbid sense of shame.”(31) This excerpt displays the repression between his internal and external self as he sees his real persona as an obstacle that would prevent him from achieving fame and success. The main character represses his inner urges and wants the vile things so badly that he faces a challenge, to keep his difference hidden or to reveal it openly and be judged by his society. After the constant drilling of society’s perception of perfection into his head, Dr. Jekyll starts to see

The dark and twisted demeanor of Mr. Hyde showcases the glaring contrast between both characters. Although “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” can be seen as a novella strictly dealing with the duality of human nature, it directly points at societal pressures. The hounding of perfection from society using the maintenance of reputations, suppression, and building of interest unveils the incitement in Victorian society. His wish to become the ideal man leads to him to separate both natures of his character. The events leading up to the creation of Mr. Hyde can be linked to a quote by Mario Andretti that states,“Desire is the key to motivation.” This quote accurately describes the title character as every decision he makes leading to the separating of his natures are what he wants. The protagonist’s need to please society works against him as it hinders him from expressing who he truly is. The main character spurred his demise the moment he succumbed to his dark