The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a novella written by the Scottish born author. The 1886 work is considered a classic of British literature.
Prosecutor Gabriel John Utterson has taken certain interest in Mr. Edward Hyde even since he trampled a little girl. The crowd gathered forced Mr. Hyde to make retribution; however, the check he gave the girl was signed by Dr. Henry Jekyll.
Mr. Utterson also discovers that Mr. Hyde is the sole beneficiary of all of Dr. Jekyll’s wealth. Utterson tries to discuss the matter of Mr. Hyde with the good doctor which, as one might guess, doesn’t yield any results.
A year later a member of the British Parliament is murdered, and the maid identifies Mr. Hyde. Utterson confronts Dr. Jekyll who shows the lawyer a letter in which Mr. Hyde states that he is will disappear forever.
Sometime later, suspecting foul play Utterson breaks into Dr. Jekyll’s house where they discover Mr. Hyde who has just committed suicide by drinking poison. Through letters Utterson pieces together Dr. Jekyll’s double life.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a well known novella which deals with split personality.
I found it interesting that the book has only two settings, letters and laboratory. Not the clean, sterile laboratory we imagine, but a disgusting, dirty and bloody one which implores the reader to feel the gothic horror which the author wishes to convey. In this environment is where Mister Hyde is created, a troubled figure, mean and unabated.
Mister Hyde is what Dr. Jekyll wants to be but suppresses within himself. Hyde yearns for violence and sexuality, he is full of strength, uncaring and out of control – or is he actually in full control?
Mr. Hyde celebrates the nature of men unhindered by social norms, rules or laws while Dr. Jekyll self censors himself as a proper gentleman should in Victorian England.
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