The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a Gothic masterpiece that explo...
Robert Louis Stevenson's 1886 novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a Gothic masterpiece that explores the duality of human nature and the battle between good and evil within a single person. The story follows respectable Dr. Henry Jekyll and his sinister alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde.
The central theme of the novella is the dualistic nature of humans, personified by the contrasting characters of Jekyll and Hyde. Jekyll represents the socially acceptable facade, while Hyde embodies the repressed, darker impulses. The metaphorical door that separates their personalities symbolizes the thin line between civilized and primitive behavior.
Another key theme is reputation versus reality. Jekyll's apparent respectability hides the truth about his experiments, while Hyde's monstrous appearance belies his human origin. Stevenson explores how easily society can be deceived by appearances.
The plot revolves around Jekyll's desperate attempt to completely separate his good and evil natures through a mysterious potion. However, Hyde gradually takes over, committing violent acts that shock Victorian London. As the line between Jekyll and Hyde blurs, the truth about their connection is slowly revealed.
Apart from the central protagonists, other characters like the lawyer Mr. Utterson and Jekyll's butler Poole play pivotal roles in uncovering the truth about the sinister figure of Hyde.
Examine how Stevenson explores the duality of human nature through the characters of Jekyll and Hyde.
Stevenson's engaging narrative warns about the dangers of indulging one's vices, as well as the importance of self-restraint and moral fortitude. The novella remains a powerful exploration of the complexities of the human psyche.