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Cover of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Written by Robert Louis Stevenson

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Science FictionPsychological fictionHorror talesLondon (England)Multiple personalityPhysiciansSelf-experimentation in medicine

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About this book

"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson is a novella written during the late 19th century that delves into the duality of human nature and the struggle between good and evil. The narrative follows Mr. Utterson, a lawyer, as he investigates the mysterious relationship between his friend, Dr. Jekyll, and the sinister Mr. Hyde, uncovering dark secrets that test the boundaries of morality. At the start of the novella, we meet Mr. Utterson and his distant cousin, Mr. Enfield, who discuss a strange door that Enfield associates with a disturbing story about Hyde trampling a young girl and displaying an unsettling demeanor. Utterson becomes increasingly intrigued by Hyde, especially when he discovers that Hyde stands to inherit Jekyll's wealth upon the doctor's disappearance. The text evokes a sense of foreboding as Utterson grapples with his concerns for Jekyll's welfare while unraveling the enigma surrounding Hyde, whose appearance elicits an inexplicable sense of dread. As the tale unfolds, it sets the stage for a profound exploration of identity, shame, and the darker aspects of human behavior.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 4 hours
  • intermediate
  • dark
  • mysterious
  • foreboding

Robert Louis Stevenson's 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' is a chilling novella that explores the inherent duality of human nature through the story of a respected London doctor and his sinister alter ego. The narrative unfolds through the perspective of Mr. Utterson, a lawyer investigating the increasingly strange connection between his friend, Dr. Jekyll, and the malevolent Mr. Hyde. As Utterson uncovers the dark secrets behind their relationship, the story delves into themes of identity, repression, and the struggle between societal morality and primal urges. Ultimately, the novella reveals a profound and tragic experiment where one man attempts to separate the good and evil within himself, leading to a horrifying loss of control and self-destruction. Its enduring power lies in its psychological depth and its iconic portrayal of humanity's capacity for both benevolence and depravity.

“"All human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil."”

Key themes

Duality of Human Nature
The central theme, exploring the idea that every individual possesses both good and evil within them. Jekyll's experiment is an attempt to separate these two aspects, leading to the creation of Hyde, who embodies pure evil. The novella argues against the possibility of such a clean division, suggesting that these forces are inextricably linked.
Reputation and Secrecy
Set in Victorian London, the novella highlights the intense societal pressure to maintain a respectable public image, often at the cost of personal authenticity. Jekyll's entire experiment is driven by a desire to indulge his 'undignified' pleasures without compromising his esteemed reputation, leading him to create Hyde as a vessel for his secret vices.
Good vs. Evil
While related to duality, this theme specifically focuses on the active struggle between benevolent and malevolent forces, both within an individual and in society. Hyde represents unadulterated evil, while Jekyll, though flawed, embodies the struggle for good. The novella suggests that unchecked evil can grow and ultimately consume the good.

Worth discussing

How does Stevenson use the setting of London to enhance the novella's atmosphere and themes, particularly the idea of hidden darkness beneath a respectable surface?

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