Contextual Elements
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Robert L. Stevenson
Plot
The plot of this novel seems to pride itself in its complexity and hidden twists. Through use of the epistolary form in conjunction with a first person perspective, the responder is left in the dark most of the book - questioning everything and completely engrossed until the very end when they are told what they were always secretly expecting. The novel opens with detective Gabrielle Utterson who strives to find the truth behind the evil deeds of the infamous Mr Hyde, and his connection to the upper-class men Dr Jekyll. Through 'red herrings' and eventual letters, Dr Jekyll's connection to Hyde is revealed post posthumously as the book's climax.
Characterisation
Gabrielle Utterson, named for the Archangel and angel of revelation and spirit of truth, is the driving force behind the investigation of Mr Hyde. His main attribute is his loyalty towards Jekyll, thus leading the responder to relate to him, regardless of his fairly bland personality. He also serves as the rational influence of the novel, allowing for the suspension of disbelief that keeps Hyde true identity hidden till the end.
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, the duality of these characters within a single body creates the paradox that becomes of Dr Jekyll's body. Hyde is pure immorality, he acts purely on impulse and cares naught for the consequences of his actions. Jekyll though, is not pure morality - he revels in the freedom of Hyde's lack of conscience. This begs the question on whether or not it is possible for humanity to exist without a dark side. (279)
Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, the duality of these characters within a single body creates the paradox that becomes of Dr Jekyll's body. Hyde is pure immorality, he acts purely on impulse and cares naught for the consequences of his actions. Jekyll though, is not pure morality - he revels in the freedom of Hyde's lack of conscience. This begs the question on whether or not it is possible for humanity to exist without a dark side. (279)
Style
Stevenson's use of suspension of disbelief, eerie tone, first person point of view, short abrupt sentences and having his book span years instead of days create his personal style that create the borderline preternatural and creepy mood of the novel.
Theme
Themes surrounding what it means to be human are riddled throughout the novel, especially concerning Jekyll's failure to remove his bad side through his potion, though he managed to uncover a purely amoral side of himself. This suggests that humanity is defined by that which we despise, our faults as well as the undeniable duality of human nature.
Themes of insanity are also evident in his text through an interpretation of what we now call split personality disorder. In Stevenson's era, the Victorian era, to be 'insane' was to be dehumanised. The introduction of Hyde as an experiment gone wrong allows the audience to sympathise with Jekyll and to explore the limitations and issues that some with insanity without breaking social codes.
Themes of insanity are also evident in his text through an interpretation of what we now call split personality disorder. In Stevenson's era, the Victorian era, to be 'insane' was to be dehumanised. The introduction of Hyde as an experiment gone wrong allows the audience to sympathise with Jekyll and to explore the limitations and issues that some with insanity without breaking social codes.
Setting
The novel was set in the late Victorian era, in London, England. It bears the duality of every city in the world, the clean and ideal aristocratic section as well as the corrupt, dark section. This is highlighted by the industrial revolution that is taking place within England, making once beautiful sections tainted by the bi-products of advancement. The once ideal city is now merely moral on the surface and its many facets prove to be the perfect hiding place/hunting ground for Mr Hyde.
