good and evil
The duality of human nature
By Group 13
Anand Reji
Hadiya Nisam
Mehrin Fathima
Introduction
The duality of human nature refers to the concept
that humans possess both good and evil tendencies,
leading to conflicting impulses within individuals.
This idea suggests that people are capable of
profound kindness and compassion as well as
selfishness and malice, often creating an internal
struggle. Recognizing this duality is important for
understanding character motivations and moral
dilemmas in literature, as it reflects the complexities
of the human experience.
the duality in literature
Literature often delves into the complexities of human nature, portraying
characters embodying both good and evil.
Here are some examples;
A study in dualism: The strange case of Dr.
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in
1886. The story is about a well-respected doctor named Henry Jekyll who experiments with his own
personality, creating an evil alter ego named Edward Hyde. Jekyll initially creates the potion that
transforms him into Hyde as a means of separating the good and evil aspects of his personality, but as time
goes on, he becomes addicted to the feeling of power and freedom he experiences as Hyde.
As Jekyll increasingly relies on the potion, he finds it harder and harder to reverse the transformation
back into his original form. Eventually, the evil Mr. Hyde becomes the dominant personality and Jekyll is
unable to control his transformations. The novella ends with Jekyll's suicide, and a letter he left behind
explaining the strange events that led to his death.
The story is considered a classic of Gothic fiction and explores themes of duality, morality, and the nature
of good and evil.
paradise lost
~ John Milton
In Paradise Lost, John Milton explores the duality of good and evil through the actions and choices of key
characters, especially Satan, God, Adam, and Eve. Satan, initially a powerful archangel, represents evil through
his rebellion against God, driven by pride and ambition. His refusal to accept God's authority leads to his fall
from grace, and he famously declares, "Better to reign in Hell than serve in Heaven," symbolizing his embrace
of evil as autonomy and defiance.
In contrast, God embodies ultimate goodness, justice, and mercy. He allows free will, giving Satan, angels, and
humans the ability to choose between good and evil, which emphasizes that true goodness must come from
choice, not compulsion. The existence of evil, then, is a consequence of free will rather than predestination.
Adam and Eve represent humanity's vulnerability to temptation. Their disobedience, in eating the forbidden
fruit, introduces sin, suffering, and the loss of Paradise. However, their fall also opens the door to redemption
through Christ, symbolizing the potential for restoration and the triumph of good over evil.
Thus, Paradise Lost shows that good and evil are intertwined, shaped by the choices made by individuals, with
ultimate redemption achievable through divine grace.
the duality in history
History provides real-world examples of the duality of human nature,
where individuals and societies have exhibited both noble and nefarious
behaviors.
Here are some examples;
dualism in history
The actions of historical figures The contrast between the
like Mahatma Gandhi, who led a abolitionist movements,
non-violent movement for India's which sought to end
independence, versus those like slavery, and the
Adolf Hitler, whose regime was perpetuation of slavery in
responsible for atrocities during various parts of the world.
World War II.
the prophet by Kahlil Gibran
the prophet by Kahlil Gibran
In Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet," the duality of human
nature is explored through the character of Almustafa,
who offers profound insights into various aspects of life.
While Gibran doesn't explicitly use the terms "good" and
"evil," he delves into the complexities of human
emotions and behaviors, highlighting their
interconnectedness.
Result
LOVE AND PAIN : Gibran presents love as a
transformative force that encompasses both joy and JOY AND SORROW : Gibran explores the
interdependence of joy and sorrow, suggesting
sorrow. He suggests that experiencing love's pain is
that one cannot exist without the other. This
an integral part of its beauty, reflecting the dual
duality reflects the complexity of human
nature of human emotions. This perspective aligns
emotions, where contrasting feelings coexist
with the idea that love and pain are two sides of the
and define each other.
same coin, each enhancing the depth of the other.
GOODNESS AND EVIL: He suggests that what
FREEDOM AND DISCIPLINE: He notes that is perceived as evil is often a distortion of
freedom without discipline can lead to chaos, good, driven by an individual's hunger and
illustrating the balance between personal liberty thirst for fulfillment. This perspective invites
and societal order. This duality highlights the readers to reflect on the origins of negative
tension between individual desires and behaviors and the potential for
communal harmony. transformation.
Conclusion
The duality of human nature is a pervasive
theme in both literature and history,
reflecting the complex interplay between
good and evil within individuals and
societies.
Recognizing this duality can lead to a deeper
understanding of human behavior and the
moral choices individuals face.
Thank You
