"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a perfect example of a story whose
inspiration derives from experiences
and emotions within its author's life. The paper shows how Robert Louis Stevenson, who published the now famous tale of
duality in 1886, was, without a doubt, influenced by several factors that he had seen, felt and read throughout his life. The paper examines how the idea of duality, a major theme embodying the work, was witnessed and experienced by Stevenson throughout his entire existence. As a result, it is reflected in the pages of the author's chilling tale of split identity. The paper shows how these influences formed the basis for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde's storyline, characters and, most importantly, major theme.