Summary of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Stevenson

Description

In Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson presents a story both fantastical and familiar. While you may not possess a mysterious potion that allows you to transform into another identity, most people compartmentalize aspects of their personality to some degree and must battle against their darker urges. Published in 1886, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde begins as an amateur detective novel but ends as a powerful critic on the dangers of repressing aspects of one’s personality. The book gained international acclaim both for the excitement that the suspenseful tale offers and the moral message it contains; it was even used in sermons of the day. Written in a poetic yet factual style, Jekyll and Hyde depicts the horrifying violence of which man’s inner evil is capable when unleashed. In doing so, it turns a mirror to its readers, inviting them to consider all aspects of their own nature.

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Sujets

• Classics
• Fiction

Informations

• Publié par: GetAbstract AG
• Date de parution: 28 octobre 2019
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9798887270692
• Langue: English

Extrait

Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson•First edition: London 1886

Gothic fiction
Victorian literature

Take-Aways Robert Louis Stevenson’s bestseller is a masterpiece of horror, psychological insight, social commentary and consideration of what it means to be human. When Dr. Henry Jekyll creates a potion to separate his good and evil selves, he transforms into the purely evil Edward Hyde. At first Jekyll enjoys the freedom Hyde offers, but after Hyde commits murder, Jekyll gradually loses control – until Hyde takes over permanently and kills himself. The allegorical tale considers the duality of human nature, which contains both good and evil. Published in 1886, the book earned Stevenson international fame and inspired more than 18 film and stage adaptations. Stevenson’s poetic style of writing has earned praise from contemporary and modern critics alike. Stevenson said the novella was an allegory but would not reveal for what. Hyde’s apelike appearance and animalistic cruelty drew on Victorian fears about evolution surrounding the work of Charles Darwin. A horrible nightmare in which Stevenson saw Jekyll’s first transformation into Hyde inspired the story. Today, some people use the phrase “Jekyll and Hyde” to refer to multiple personality disorder. “I thus drew steadily nearer to that truth, by whose partial discovery I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two.”

What It’s About
The Duality of Man
In Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde , Robert Louis Stevenson presents a story both fantastical and familiar. While you may not possess a mysterious potion that allows you to transform into another identity, most people compartmentalize aspects of their personality to some degree and must battle against their darker urges. Published in 1886, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde begins as an amateur detective novel but ends as a powerful critic on the dangers of repressing aspects of one’s personality. The book gained international acclaim both for the excitement that the suspenseful tale offers and the moral message it contains; it was even used in sermons of the day. Written in a poetic yet factual style, Jekyll and Hyde depicts the horrifying violence of which man’s inner evil is capable when unleashed. In doing so, it turns a mirror to its readers, inviting them to consider all aspects of their own nature.

Summary
A Beast in the Night
Lawyer Gabriel Utterson is strolling through London with his old friend Richard Enfield when they wander down a quiet lane. There, the men encounter a run-down, neglected door. The derelict entrance reminds Enfield of a story, which he recalls aloud to Utterson: Early one morning, he witnessed a man trample a young girl and continue coolly on his way as she screamed on the ground. Enfield, shocked, caught up with the brute and dragged him back to the scene. He found the man repulsive, without being able to specify why and threatened him with social ruin unless he paid restitution. Agreeing, the man brought Enfield to that same door, went inside and returned with a £100 check. The check’s signature was that of a respectable and important man, leaving Enfield to suspect a case of blackmail.
“‘I incline to Cain’s heresy,’ he used to say quaintly: ‘I let my brother go to the devil in his own way.’” (Utterson)
When Utterson asks the name of the man who ran over the girl, Enfield sees no reason not to give it: Hyde. Utterson then reveals that he already knows the identity of the reputable man whose account paid the £100. The two men, both disapproving of gossip, agree never to speak of this again.
Search for Mr. Hyde
Later that evening, Utterson sits in his study, looking over the will of his friend and client Dr. Henry Jekyll . Jekyll has left everything to Edward Hyde , not only in the event of death but also if Jekyll vanishes for a period of three months. Utterson, frustrated, suspects Hyde is blackmailing Jekyll.