In the novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson explores many points of view on human nature. He uses characters and events from the novel to present his position on the main theme: “man is not truly one, but truly two” (125). From this main theme branch out many more specific views on human nature divided into good and evil. One of the main ideas presented in Jekyll and Hyde is the need for both good and evil to live in coexistence within an individual's consciousness. Jekyll's experiments demonstrate that balance between the two sides of nature is essential to being content in the world. He realizes that the only reason he is able to be either side of his nature is because he has the ability to be one or the other as long as both are present within him. He makes this clear in the quote: “I saw that, of the two natures contending in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly say that I was one or the other, it was only because I was radically both” (125). Jekyll aims to separate his good side from his bad side. He begins his attempt to create a potion that creates an entirely new identity for the evil element of his nature called Mr. Hyde. Jekyll is pleased with himself and feels that he has succeeded in his endeavor. He maintains this happiness until Hyde begins to commit unspeakable crimes without Jekyll's rationality and moral sense tempering him. Jekyll becomes miserable trying to deal with his evil counterpart and that's when Stevenson's message becomes apparent. It is difficult to maintain true happiness without both sides of nature being present in one's consciousness to balance each other out and coexist. Another point made in Jekyll and Hyde is the idea that there is no real good side,...... middle paper......l tale like Lanyon. Despite being at rest with his inner darkness, he is able to maintain a respectable reputation in the eyes of the public. In this way, Stevenson highlights the importance of accepting an individual's inner evil. To summarize, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a metaphorical mirror on the duality of human nature. In the words of Friar Laurence from Romeo and Juliet, "Two kings so opposite still camp / In man as well as grass: grace and rude will" (II iii 28-29). In each of us there is good and evil, a Jekyll and a Hyde. The decision is who gets to take control. Robert Louis Stevenson's novel helps the reader better understand the duality of human nature through the fascinating tale of Jekyll, and the true meaning behind the story that makes the reader relax and reflect makes the story a timeless piece of literature.