The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Introduction

“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is a classic novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson. First published in 1886, the story is a vivid portrayal of a split personality and explores the idea of the dual nature of man, not only in the sense of good and evil but also in the context of society and solitude. The narrative is set in the backdrop of Victorian London, a time when the city was grappling with rapid industrialization and the accompanying social changes.

Review

The story revolves around the character of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected doctor and a member of the London society, who creates a potion that transforms him into Mr. Edward Hyde, a figure of pure evil who indulges in immoral and criminal activities. The transformation is not just physical but also psychological, with Hyde representing the hidden, darker side of Dr. Jekyll. The narrative is presented from the perspective of Mr. Utterson, a lawyer and friend of Dr. Jekyll, who investigates the strange events and ultimately uncovers the shocking truth.

The novella is a thrilling blend of mystery, horror, and psychological drama. Stevenson’s writing style is engaging, with vivid descriptions and a suspenseful plot that keeps the reader hooked till the end. The characters are well-developed, with Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde being the most intriguing. The transformation of Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde is not just a physical change but also a metaphorical representation of the duality of human nature.

Analysis

“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is a profound exploration of the dual nature of man. Stevenson suggests that every individual has a good and an evil side, and it is the balance between these two that determines one’s character. Dr. Jekyll’s experiment to separate his good and evil selves results in the creation of Mr. Hyde, who embodies pure evil. This suggests that when the evil side is given free rein, it can overpower the good, leading to disastrous consequences.

The novella also reflects the social realities of Victorian London. The character of Dr. Jekyll represents the respectable, law-abiding citizen, while Mr. Hyde represents the criminal underbelly of society. The transformation of Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde can be seen as a metaphor for the social transformation of London during the Victorian era, with the rapid industrialization leading to the emergence of a darker, more sinister side of the city.

The narrative structure of the novella is also noteworthy. The story is presented as a detective mystery, with Mr. Utterson playing the role of the detective. This adds an element of suspense to the narrative and keeps the reader engaged. The final revelation of the truth, presented in the form of Dr. Jekyll’s confession, is a dramatic climax that leaves a lasting impact on the reader.

About the Author

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, poet, and travel writer, known for his works of adventure fiction. Born in 1850, Stevenson showed an early interest in writing and went on to produce some of the most popular works of the 19th century. His other notable works include “Treasure Island” and “Kidnapped”. Stevenson’s writing is characterized by its vivid descriptions, engaging narratives, and exploration of complex themes such as the duality of human nature and the impact of society on the individual. Despite his early death at the age of 44, Stevenson left a significant legacy in the world of literature. His works continue to be widely read and have been adapted into numerous films, television series, and stage plays.