Define: Jekyll And Hyde

“Jekyll and Hyde” refers to the characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde from Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.” The story explores the duality of human nature through the experiences of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected scientist, and his alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde. Dr. Jekyll, seeking to separate the good and evil aspects of his personality, creates a potion that transforms him into the amoral and violent Mr. Hyde. As Hyde, Jekyll indulges in immoral behaviour, leading to tragic consequences. The novella delves into themes of morality, repression, and the consequences of unchecked desires. “Jekyll and Hyde” has become a cultural metaphor for the inner conflict between good and evil within individuals.

The term “Jekyll and Hyde” is a metaphor for internal conflict, instability, deception, or multiple identities. Derived from the Robert Louis Stevenson novel “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,” Jekyll and Hyde is used as either an adjective or a noun.

In the world of finance, Jekyll and Hyde can describe a variety of situations. A Jekyll and Hyde can be a security that shifts erratically in value; the members of a management team holding to multiple, mutually exclusive visions; a financial statement that appears healthy at first blush but crumbles under due diligence; an entire economy that may appear robust but is not; and other Jekyll and Hyde scenarios. When an investor refers to a security as Jekyll and Hyde, it is usually meant pejoratively and with a note of caution to be wary of that security. When a pro forma statement or market (for example) is deemed Jekyll and Hyde, the “Hyde” corresponds to the financially favourable veneer, while the “Jekyll” signifies the hidden unfortunate truth.

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This glossary post was last updated: 29th March 2024.