In the novel The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson explores many views on human nature. He uses the characters and events of the novel to present his position on the major theme: “man is not really one, but two” (125). From this major theme arise many more specific visions on human nature divided into good and evil. One of the major ideas presented in Jekyll and Hyde is the necessity for good and evil to co-exist within an individual's consciousness. Jekyll's experiments prove that a balance between the two sides of nature is crucial to being satisfied with the world. He realizes that the only reason he is capable of being either side of his nature is because he has the ability to be either as long as both are present in him. He says this clearly in the following quote: "I saw that, among the two natures which confronted each other in the field of my consciousness, even if one could rightly say that I am one or the other other, it is only because I was radically both” (125). Jekyll aims to separate his good side from his bad side. He begins his effort to create a potion that creates an entirely new identity for the evil element of his nature named Mr. Hyde. Jekyll is happy with himself and believes that he has succeeded in his business. He maintains this happiness until Hyde begins committing unspeakable crimes without Jekyll's rationality and moral compass to temper him. Jekyll becomes unhappy while trying to fight his evil counterpart and it is then that Stevenson's message becomes evident. It is difficult to maintain true happiness without both sides of nature being present in everyone's consciousness to balance and coexist. Another point made in Jekyll and Hyde is the idea that there is no real good side,......the middle. of paper......the story of Lanyon. Although he is at rest with his inner darkness, he is able to maintain an honest reputation in the public eye. In this way, Stevenson emphasizes 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 Lawrence from Romeo and Juliet, “Two kings so opposed still encamp them/In man as well as in herbs – grace and gross will” (II iii 28-29). In everyone there is good and evil, a Jekyll and a Hyde. The decision is who will be allowed 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 of the story that makes the reader sit up and think makes history a timeless literary work..