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In many aspects of the novel, duality features as a device, used to intensify the effect of the plot. The theme runs all the way through the novel and can be identified on several levels. Stevenson, by integrating the theme of duality deep within his novel’s plot, implies that all human beings have numerous and conflicting sides to their character. The most evident type of duality in the novel is that of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Mr Edward Hyde, where the former is a respectable gentleman of the Victorian society and the other, a sinister character who lurks in the dark streets of the city. Dr Jekyll transforms into Mr Hyde, to behave in a manner which is more appealing to him yet in which he cannot behave without his disguise, due to the repressive nature of Victorian Society. Therefore, he, in he “thick cloak” of Mr Hyde, lurks in the sinister areas of London, such as Soho, without putting his reputation at risk. For all the characters in the novel, preserving one’s reputation emerges as important. The prevalence of this Victorian value system is evident in the way that upright men, as Utterson and Enfield avoid gossip at all costs. They see gossip as a great demolisher of reputation. Similarly, when Utterson suspects Jekyl