Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (character)

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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are two characters from the famous novella "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886. The story is a classic example of Gothic fiction and explores themes of duality, identity, and the nature of good and evil. The characters have become iconic in popular culture, representing the idea that within each person there exists a battle between the moral and immoral self.

Plot

The novella tells the story of Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected physician and chemist who creates a potion that allows him to transform into Edward Hyde, a manifestation of his darker desires and evil impulses. Jekyll believes that by separating his two natures, he can fully indulge Hyde's wickedness while maintaining his own reputation unblemished. However, as time progresses, Jekyll finds himself losing control over the transformation, with Hyde becoming more dominant and committing increasingly heinous acts, including murder. The story unfolds through the perspective of Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, Jekyll's lawyer and friend, who investigates the mysterious connection between Jekyll and Hyde, ultimately uncovering the shocking truth.

Themes and Analysis

The novella explores the theme of the dual nature of humanity, suggesting that every individual harbors both good and evil within them. Stevenson delves into the Victorian society's obsession with reputation, morality, and the struggle to maintain a facade of respectability while suppressing darker desires. The transformation of Jekyll into Hyde serves as a metaphor for the human capacity for evil and the dangers of unchecked ambition and scientific experimentation.

Cultural Impact

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde have become synonymous with the concept of a split personality or dual identity. The characters have been adapted into numerous films, television shows, stage plays, and other media, often with significant variations from the original story. The term "Jekyll and Hyde" has entered the lexicon to describe a person who is vastly different in moral character from one situation to the next.

Adaptations

Over the years, there have been countless adaptations of Stevenson's novella in various forms of media. These adaptations often take creative liberties with the story, characters, and themes. Some notable adaptations include the 1931 film directed by Rouben Mamoulian and the 1941 film directed by Victor Fleming. The story has also been adapted into stage plays, including a musical version.

See Also

• Gothic fiction
• Robert Louis Stevenson
• Victorian literature