Final answer:
The name Edward Hyde symbolizes the dark and hidden aspects of Dr. Jekyll's personality, embodying the duality of man and the darker aspects of Victorian society.
Step-by-step explanation:
The name Edward Hyde in the novel 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is highly symbolic. It reflects the hidden, darker side of Dr. Henry Jekyll's personality. Edward can be associated with a wealthy guardian, yet Hyde connects to the notion of a hide or skin, representing a concealed identity or the basest layer of human nature. This duality encapsulates the conflict between the outwardly respectable appearance and the monstrous inner self that was a recurring theme in Victorian literature.
Robert Louis Stevenson delves into the concept of the duality of man, exploring how a person can embody both good and evil. This idea reflects the worry that underneath the polished surface of Victorian society lurks a more sinister reality. The narrative illustrates the struggle of balancing the public persona with the private self, a battle where Hyde represents the release of suppressed desires and baser instincts, unrestrained by social constructs or morality.