How does Stevenson use London to explore his theme of duality in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Londonand
even the modern city in generalis the key to fully exploring Stevenson's theme of duality. The
London street on which the novel begins is an important setting throughout the story. Victorian
London was new and exciting, and Stevenson portrays it as both beautifully majestic and
mysteriously dark.

The duality of the story would have a very hard time
existing without London. Bustling crowds provide anonymity, dim gaslit streets provide the cover
of night, and the urban underworld provides the perfect location for Hyde. Within this side of
London, Hyde enjoys a certain form of freedom, and one could argue that Jekyll would not be able
to pursue this duality without London being idyllic on one side and dark on the other.

London can also be seen as a direct representation of Jekyll and Hyde themselves.
Jekyll contributes to London society and is also well-liked and highly-respected. He is theof
idyllic London: intelligent, respectable, and generous. Hyde, on the...