Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

MR. HYDE

&

DOCTOR JEKYLL

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AUTHOR

Robert Louis Stevenson was a Scottish novelist, essayist, poet, and travel writer. Born on November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland, he left an indelible mark on literature with his captivating works. Notable Works: · Treasure Island: A thrilling adventure novel that introduced iconic characters like Long John Silver and the quest for buried treasure. · Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: A Gothic novella exploring the duality of human nature, where the mild-mannered Dr. Jekyll transforms into the malevolent Mr. Hyde. · Kidnapped: An enthralling historical novel set in 18th-century Scotland, following the adventures of young David Balfour. · A Child’s Garden of Verses: A delightful collection of children’s poetry that celebrates imagination and innocence.

TIME/LITERARY MOVEMENT

“Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson was written during the Victorian Era. This period, spanning from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, was characterized by significant social, cultural, and technological changes. Let’s explore the literary context of this intriguing novella: · Historical Context: -The Victorian Era witnessed rapid advancements in technology, science, and medicine. -Stevenson’s world was influenced by new and unknown ideas, which is reflected in the novella. -The era grappled with questions of morality, ethics, and the impact of industrialization.

ARGUMENT

· Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde explores the theme of the duality of human nature, the struggle between good and evil, and the consequences of tampering with the natural order. The foggy and ominous streets of Victorian London provide a fitting backdrop to the unfolding mystery, contributing to the suspenseful atmosphere of the narrative. Stevenson's exploration of the consequences of scientific curiosity and the ethical implications of separating the good and evil aspects of one's personality is both thought-provoking and chilling.

· Dr. Hastie Lanyon : A reputable London doctor and, along with Utterson, formerly one of Dr. Jekyll’s closest friends.· Mr. Poole : Dr. Jekyll’s butler. Mr. Poole is a loyal servant, having worked for the doctor for twenty years, and his concern for his master eventually drives him to seek Utterson’s help when he becomes convinced that something has happened to Dr. Jekyll.· Mr. Enfield : A distant cousin and lifelong friend of Mr. Utterson. · Mr. Guest : Utterson’s clerk and confidant.· Sir Danvers Carew : A well-liked old nobleman, a member of Parliament, and a client of Utterson.

CHARACTERS

· Dr. Henry Jekyll : A respected doctor and friend of both Lanyon, a fellow physician, and Utterson, a lawyer. Jekyll is a seemingly prosperous man, well established in the community, and known for his decency and charitable works.· Mr. Edward Hyde : A strange, repugnant man who looks faintly pre-human. Hyde is violent and cruel, and everyone who sees him describes him as ugly and deformed—yet no one can say exactly why.· Mr. Gabriel John Utterson : A prominent and upstanding lawyer, well respected in the London community. Utterson is reserved, dignified, and perhaps even lacking somewhat in imagination, but he does seem to possess a furtive curiosity about the more sordid side of life.

Motifs: Violence Against Innocents: Hyde is depicted as a creature of great evil and countless vices.Silence:They avoid discussing Hyde or certain conversations. Silence reflects Victorian society’s preference for decorum and repression.Symbolism: The Potion: Symbolizes the boundary between reason and irrationality.The Door to Jekyll’s Laboratory: Symbolizes the threshold between the known and the unknown.Hyde’s Appearance: Symbolizes the hidden, darker aspects of human nature.London Streets at Night: Symbolize the hidden, seedy underbelly of society..

Themes:Duality of Human Nature:The novella serves as an allegory about the good and evil inherent in all individuals.The battle between good and evil rages within Dr. Jekyll himself.Scientific Development and Morality:The pursuit of knowledge can lead to dangerous consequences when unchecked.Supernatural vs. Natural:The transformation of Jekyll into Hyde blurs the line between the natural and the supernatural.The potion’s mystical effects challenge rational explanations.

Particular themes, motifs and symbology of the work.

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