The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Description
Dr. Henry Jekyll, seeking to separate the good and evil in humanity, creates a potion that transforms him into the monstrous Mr. Hyde.
Topics
Duality of human nature, morality, science, repression, Victorian values
Detailed Description
Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is a profound exploration of the duality inherent in human nature. Written in 1886, this Gothic novella follows the respectable Dr. Henry Jekyll, who creates a potion to separate the good and evil within himself, unleashing his darkest impulses in the form of the brutal Edward Hyde. As Jekyll's control over his transformations deteriorates, the boundary between these two personalities begins to blur, leading to tragic consequences. Through its atmospheric portrayal of Victorian London and masterful use of suspense, the novel delves deep into themes of repression, scientific hubris, and the fragility of social facades. Its enduring influence on literature, psychology, and popular culture reflects the universal resonance of its central question: can one truly divorce the darkness within from the light?
Key Characters
- Dr. Henry Jekyll: A respected physician and scientist, Jekyll is outwardly respectable but harbors hidden desires. He creates a potion to separate his dual nature, unleashing his darker side as Mr. Hyde.
- Mr. Edward Hyde: Jekyll's alter ego, Hyde is described as smaller in stature but representing pure evil. He is violent, cruel, and gives an impression of deformity though no specific physical abnormality can be identified.
- Gabriel John Utterson: A lawyer and the primary narrator, Utterson is a loyal friend to Jekyll. His rational, methodical investigation drives much of the narrative.
- Dr. Hastie Lanyon: A former colleague of Jekyll who witnesses Hyde's transformation back into Jekyll, an experience that so shocks him that it contributes to his death.
- Richard Enfield: Utterson's distant relative and walking companion, who first observes Hyde's cruelty when he tramples a young girl.
- Poole: Jekyll's loyal butler who becomes concerned about his master's behavior and ultimately seeks Utterson's help.
Keywords
Jekyll and Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson, duality, Victorian literature, Gothic fiction, novella, good and evil, transformation, psychological horror, human nature, scientific experimentation, London, alter ego, split personality, Victorian morality, repression, Victorian society, Victorian values, conscious, subconscious, moral ambiguity, identity, literary classic, English literature, Scottish author, horror, mystery, psychological fiction, Victorian science, social hypocrisy, dark side, Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Utterson, Dr. Lanyon, dual personality, split personality, potion, transformation, Victorian London
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