Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Summary

«Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde» is a gothic novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, telling the story of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected London physician who creates a potion that transforms him into the evil and immoral Mr. Edward Hyde. Jekyll hopes to separate his dark side from his good side, but soon loses control over the transformations. Hyde commits crimes, including murder, and Jekyll realizes he cannot stop the transformations. Ultimately, to prevent further atrocities by Hyde, Jekyll takes his own life, leaving a note explaining his dual nature.

Main Ideas

• The duality of human nature
• The internal struggle between good and evil
• The consequences of suppressing one's dark side
• The dangers of scientific experiments without moral boundaries
• Social and moral norms of the Victorian era

Historical Context and Significance

«Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde» by Robert Louis Stevenson, published in 1886, is one of the most significant and influential books in literature. It explores the theme of the duality of human nature, embodied in the characters of Dr. Henry Jekyll and his alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde. The book has had a tremendous impact on culture, inspiring numerous adaptations in theater, film, and television. It also made a significant contribution to the genre of gothic literature and psychological thriller. The story of Jekyll and Hyde has become a metaphor for discussing moral and ethical issues related to the internal struggle between good and evil in humans, and it remains relevant today.

Main Characters and Their Development

• Dr. Henry Jekyll — a respected London doctor and scientist who seeks to separate his good and evil sides. In the process of his experiments, he creates a potion that transforms him into Mr. Hyde, the embodiment of his dark side. As the story progresses, Jekyll increasingly loses control over his transformations, leading to tragic consequences.
• Mr. Edward Hyde — the evil and ruthless alter ego of Dr. Jekyll. Hyde commits numerous crimes, including murder, and gradually becomes the more dominant personality. Eventually, Hyde completely overtakes Jekyll, leading to his demise.
• Mr. Gabriel John Utterson — a lawyer and close friend of Dr. Jekyll. Utterson plays a key role in investigating the strange events surrounding Jekyll and Hyde. His persistence and loyalty to his friend help uncover the mystery of Jekyll's double life.
• Dr. Hastie Lanyon — an old friend and colleague of Dr. Jekyll. Lanyon witnesses one of Jekyll's transformations into Hyde, which leads to deep shock and ultimately his death. His testimony helps Utterson understand the true nature of Jekyll and Hyde.

Style and Technique

The novel «Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde» by Robert Louis Stevenson is written in the genre of gothic literature and psychological thriller. The style of the work is characterized by a dark and tense atmosphere, created through the depiction of foggy London streets and mysterious events. The author's language is rich in metaphors and symbolism, allowing for a deeper exploration of the protagonist's internal conflict. Stevenson employs literary devices such as duality and contrast to emphasize the dualism of human nature. The structure of the story is non-linear: the narrative is presented through various perspectives and includes letters and diary entries, adding an element of mystery and allowing the secret to be gradually revealed. The author masterfully uses elements of suspense to hold the reader's attention and highlight the drama of the events.

Quotes

• In each of us, there are two natures — good and evil.
• Man is not truly one, but truly two.
• I learned to respect the complete silence and solitude.
• If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also.
• Mr. Hyde was not only evil, he was evil incarnate.

Interesting Facts

• The idea for the book came to the author in a dream, and he wrote the first draft in just three days.
• The book explores the theme of the duality of human nature, showing how good and evil can coexist within one person.
• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have become archetypes for many subsequent works exploring split personality.
• Initially, Stevenson's wife disapproved of the draft, and he burned it, then wrote a new version.
• The book was published in 1886 and immediately became a bestseller, selling 40,000 copies in the first six months.

Book Review

«Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde» by Robert Louis Stevenson is a classic novel that explores the duality of human nature. Critics note that Stevenson masterfully creates an atmosphere of tension and horror, immersing the reader in the dark world of Victorian London. The central theme of the struggle between good and evil within one person is presented through the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, making the novel relevant even today. Literary critics praise Stevenson for his deep understanding of psychology and his ability to convey the internal conflicts of the characters. The book is also regarded as an important work in the genre of gothic literature, thanks to its dark atmosphere and elements of mysticism. Overall, «Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde» is considered a masterpiece that continues to inspire and frighten readers worldwide.