Robot Says…

Reputation is a central theme in Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, reflecting Victorian society's emphasis on maintaining appearances and moral respectability.
Dr Jekyll is deeply concerned with his reputation as a respectable gentleman, which drives him to create Mr Hyde as an outlet for his darker impulses without risking societal judgement.
In the novel, Jekyll states: "I was no more myself when I laid aside restraint and plunged in shame, than when I laboured, in the eye of day, at the furtherance of knowledge or the relief of sorrow and suffering." This reflects the duality of his character and his desire to maintain a public image of morality while indulging his darker side in secret.
The character of Mr Utterson, who serves as the moral centre of the novel, also values reputation highly. His first instinct upon learning of Hyde's connection to Jekyll is to protect Jekyll's good name, even when faced with suspicious circumstances.
Reputation influences not only individual characters but also societal interactions. The fear of scandal prevents characters like Utterson and Enfield from probing too deeply into Jekyll's affairs, illustrating how concern for appearances can suppress truth.
The setting of the novel—London in the late 19th century—further underlines the importance of reputation, as Victorian society was highly stratified and judgemental, with morality and respectability being key to one's social standing.
The concept of reputation is closely tied to the theme of hypocrisy. Jekyll's desire to separate his respectable self from his darker desires highlights the moral duplicity present in Victorian society, where appearances often hid corruption and vice.
Ultimately, Jekyll's downfall is precipitated by his inability to reconcile his dual nature, demonstrating the destructive consequences of prioritising reputation over authenticity. </aside>

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Relating to… Reputation

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