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Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Authors
- Name
- Robert Louis Stevenson
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The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Summary
"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a gothic novella by the Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. The work is known for its vivid portrayal of the psychopathology of a split personality and has become a classic in English literature. The story is told from the perspective of Mr. Utterson, a lawyer and friend of Dr. Henry Jekyll, who investigates strange occurrences between his friend and the evil Edward Hyde.
The narrative reveals that Dr. Jekyll, fascinated by the duality of human nature, discovers a chemical formula that allows him to separate his good and evil personas, transforming him into Mr. Hyde, a manifestation of his darkest desires. Hyde commits several crimes, including murder, which leads to Dr. Jekyll's voluntary isolation from society. As Hyde's control over Jekyll increases, Jekyll becomes desperate to rid himself of his darker half, ultimately leading to his tragic demise.
Themes
- Duality of Human Nature: Stevenson explores the idea that every human being contains within them elements of both good and evil, which are in constant conflict.
- The Limits of Scientific Exploration: The novella critiques the Victorian era's fascination with scientific progress, suggesting that there are dangerous consequences to unchecked scientific experimentation.
- The Hypocrisy of Society: It also delves into the Victorian society's hypocrisy, where respectability and moral righteousness are often a façade.
Characters
- Dr. Henry Jekyll: A respected scientist and doctor who becomes obsessed with his theory of the dual nature of man, leading to the creation of Mr. Hyde.
- Mr. Edward Hyde: The evil alter ego of Dr. Jekyll, freed from moral constraints, who indulges in criminal activities.
- Mr. Gabriel John Utterson: The lawyer and loyal friend of Dr. Jekyll, who investigates the mysterious connection between Jekyll and Hyde.
- Dr. Hastie Lanyon: A friend of Jekyll and Utterson, who becomes a critical figure in uncovering the truth about Hyde.
Conclusion
"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" remains a powerful exploration of the duality within human nature and the dangers of losing control over one's darker self. Stevenson's masterful storytelling not only provides a thrilling narrative but also offers profound insights into the human condition, making it a timeless piece of literature.