Topic > Silent Homosexuality in Jekyll and Hyde - 913

Jekyll was a lower class citizen, like Mr. Hyde. Unlike Jekyll, Hyde only has the privilege of being dismissed and going unnoticed because he belongs to a lower class. According to Martin Danahay, author of “Dr. Jekyll's Two Bodies,” Jekyll wears Hyde's body “as if Mr. Hyde were pajamas he would wear while sleeping in one place, but not in the other” (23). Essentially, he could take a nap as Jekyll, wake up as Hyde, and spend the evening in one opium den after another, experiencing various forbidden pleasures other than sodomy. At first Dr. Jekyll enjoys his newfound freedom thanks to Hyde, but he soon tires when Mr. Hyde takes charge whenever he wants. As Hyde gains more and more power, he becomes reckless and begins to let Jekyll clean up messes. More messes mean a greater chance of being exposed and having his reputation as a gentleman ruined. It makes sense why Dr. Jekyll ultimately kills himself and Hyde. According to Sanna, Jekyll is “no longer able to return to his good and distinct appearance and personality” and commits suicide to avoid social condemnation (36). Jekyll kills himself because he can no longer control Hyde's lust for evil, and he is tired of trying to maintain the appearance of someone who is not in a society where men who need certain pleasures are frowned upon. And, since Jekyll cannot control his need for these pleasures, he would rather die than be made fun of