TL;DR
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a gothic novella that delves into the duality of human nature, exploring the capacity for both good and evil that exists within each individual. The story follows Gabriel John Utterson, a lawyer, as he investigates the strange occurrences surrounding his friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the sinister Edward Hyde.
Table of contents
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Author & Writing Background
Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, born in 1850. Known for his captivating storytelling and evocative prose, Stevenson penned numerous classics, including Treasure Island and Kidnapped. His own struggles with illness and fascination with the human psyche heavily influenced his writing, particularly evident in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Key Takeaways
The Duality of Human Nature
The central theme of the novella explores the concept of the divided self, with Dr. Jekyll representing the respectable and socially acceptable side, while Mr. Hyde embodies his darker impulses and desires.
The Mystery of Hyde
The narrative is driven by the mystery surrounding Edward Hyde’s identity and his connection to Dr. Jekyll. Utterson’s investigation gradually uncovers the shocking truth about their relationship.
Transformation and Consequences
Dr. Jekyll’s experiments with a potion allow him to physically transform into Mr. Hyde, indulging in his hidden desires but ultimately leading to devastating consequences.
Victorian Morality and Repression
The novella reflects the Victorian era’s anxieties about social respectability and the repression of desires, highlighting the potential for hypocrisy and the hidden darkness within individuals.
Science and Morality
Stevenson explores the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the potential for knowledge to be misused for selfish or destructive purposes.
Good vs. Evil
The story presents a complex and nuanced portrayal of good and evil, suggesting that these forces are not always distinct but rather intertwined within each person.
The Nature of Identity
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde raises questions about the nature of identity and the factors that shape who we are, including our choices, desires, and social influences.
Gothic Atmosphere
The novella’s dark and suspenseful atmosphere, with its foggy London streets and mysterious occurrences, contributes to the overall sense of horror and intrigue.
FAQ about The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
What is the main message of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?
The novella explores the duality of human nature and the potential for both good and evil within each individual. It also raises questions about scientific ethics, Victorian morality, and the nature of identity.
How does Dr. Jekyll transform into Mr. Hyde?
Dr. Jekyll develops a potion that allows him to physically transform into Edward Hyde, who embodies his darker impulses and desires.
What happens at the end of the story?
Dr. Jekyll loses control over his transformations, and Mr. Hyde’s actions become increasingly violent. Ultimately, both Jekyll and Hyde die, leaving behind a sense of tragedy and the unresolved question of their true nature.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Quotes
- ”Man is not truly one, but truly two."
- "I learned to recognise the thorough and primitive duality of man; I saw that, of the two natures that contended in the field of my consciousness, even if I could rightly be said to be either, it was only because I was radically both."
- "All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.”