Freedom is a theme in this story. Jekyll experiences a level of freedom by turning into Hyde. He is able to indulge his inner passions and desires that go against Victorian society and expectations.
Supernaturalism is another theme in this work. Jekyll goes against the natural law to create Hyde. Jekyll is in effect "playing god" by creating an alter-ego that reveals his dark side. This goes against the laws of God.
Jekyll goes against the typical Victorian expectation of gentlemanly behavior. One is expected to be reserved, scholarly, and religious. Jekyll realizes he has dark desires and great intellect, and with a certain element of smugness, creates a potion that will allow him to be someone else. While rationalizing that his experiment is in the name of learning, he recognizes that he wants to experience life outside of what he is expected to be. Most in this society would never take so much pride or hubris to experience this.
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