During our discussion of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde we got onto the subject of personality and how time can affect a person. One of the views was that people are born with certain tendencies, and they generally follow those throughout life. My view is that people are constantly changing, whether it be in subtle ways or drastic ways. Another interesting idea that this novel brought to my attention is whether or not people can change themselves by belief alone.
In the book, both of these idea are presented. Since Hyde is the embodiment of of Jekyll's evil, it seems that the view of tendencies is supported. However it must be observed that some change in Jekyll had to have taken place, or else he would have tried the experiment sooner of been evil in his true form. Jekyll tries to convince himself that he enjoys the social aspects of his life more, but he belief does not prevent him from turning into Hyde.
I know that in my life I have been changed and I will continue to be changed. Through different experiences in life my views have switched. My approach towards relationships is now different because of my parents divorce, and I am no longer Catholic. These are some of the more prominent changes that I have noticed, and I know there will be many more.
I believe that as humans we are constantly changing, for better or for worse. It is impossible to predict these changes because there are too many conditions influencing them. Everyday events can affect people in adverse ways, possibly changing their character. Believing something so surely can also make a difference in a person. If someone is raised believing they are bad, there is not much to convince them otherwise. The effects of ourselves and the world around us are continually shaping us.
