Jekyll's Relationship with Hyde

The complex, symbiotic bond between Jekyll and Hyde, mixing attraction, hatred, and interdependence.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Initial Attraction

The Initial Attraction A Leap of Welcome When Jekyll first sees Hyde in the mirror, he feels a leap of welcome. This is also himself, more express and single. He is attracted to the freedom and power Hyde represents. The Vicarious Enjoyment Jekyll enjoys the pleasures of Hyde's life without the guilt. He feels a thrill from the danger and the release. The bond is one of addictive pleasure. The First Doubts But as Hyde's acts become monstrous, Jekyll begins to feel aghast. He struggles with the attraction and the horror. The bond is complicated.

The Symbiotic Hatred

The Symbiotic Hatred Jekyll's Abhorrence Jekyll grows to hate Hyde with a vital instinct. He sees Hyde as something hellish and inorganic. He wants to be free of him. Hyde's Dependence Hyde, in turn, loathes Jekyll but needs him to survive. He fears Jekyll's power to cut him off by suicide. He plays tricks on Jekyll, but he is also attached. The Inseparable Bond They are knit together closer than a wife or an eye. They share consciousness and death. Despite the hatred, they cannot exist without each other.

The Final Pity

The Final Pity Jekyll's Compassion Despite his hatred, Jekyll finds it in his heart to pity Hyde. He sees Hyde's fear of death and his abjection. The bond is not just hatred, but a strange love. Hyde's Selfishness Hyde's attachment to Jekyll is purely selfish. He wants to preserve himself. He does not care about Jekyll's suffering. The End of the Bond When Hyde commits suicide, he also kills Jekyll. The bond is broken in death. They are co-heirs to death, and their relationship ends in mutual destruction.

after the first transformation

after the murder of Carew

the last week of Jekyll's life