#2 Online Review

(2) In this article by Anne Stiles, she sees Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a representation of the Dual Brain Theory. She argues that the evil, deformed, dwarfish Mr. Hyde is considered as one half of the brain. The other half is represented in Dr. Jekyll as a sincere, respected, trustworthy man. The Dual Brain Theory states that each of the two hemispheres in the brain can function independently of one another. Stiles has the right side of the brain represent emotions, instincts, femininity, and madness which she says Robert Louis Stevenson shows through Edward Hyde. The left side is logic, reasoning, civilization, and masculinity shown in Henry Jekyll. Stiles argues that humans are double, even when they are healthy. I don't agree with the Dual Brain Theory, becuase I would rather call it the Double Personality Theory. I think that each side of the brain can't function independently. I do agree when she stated that humans always have two sides to themselves, even when they are healthy and, in a sense, "normal."