About the Novel

Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" is a gothic novella published in 1886 that has become a classic of English literature. The story follows London lawyer Gabriel John Utterson as he investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, the respected Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde.

Highlight: The novella's impact has been so significant that "Jekyll and Hyde" has entered common language to describe people with unpredictably dual natures - outwardly good but sometimes shockingly evil.

Stevenson, a Scottish novelist, poet and travel writer, is also renowned for other works like "Treasure Island" and "Kidnapped". However, it is "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" that has left an indelible mark on literature and popular culture, exploring themes of duality in human nature that continue to resonate with readers.

Quote: "The novellas impact is such that it has become a part of the language, with the phrase "Jekyll and Hyde" coming to refer to people with an unpredictably dual nature; outwardly good but sometimes shockingly evil."

This summary provides key context for understanding the novel's significance and its author's background, setting the stage for a deeper analysis of its themes and characters.

Dr. Henry Jekyll

Dr. Henry Jekyll is a complex character at the center of the novella's exploration of duality and the nature of good and evil. As a respected scientist and wealthy member of society, Jekyll embodies the outward appearance of Victorian respectability.

Key aspects of Dr. Jekyll's character include:

• Wealthy and popular in society
• Respectable and accomplished scientist
• Struggles with repressing evil urges
• Creates a serum to separate his good and evil natures

Quote: "I became in my own person, a creature eaten up and emptied by fever"

This quote reveals the internal struggle Jekyll faces as he grapples with the consequences of his experiments.

Highlight: Jekyll's creation of the serum represents the dangerous potential of scientific advancement when not tempered by moral considerations.

Jekyll's character arc demonstrates the consequences of attempting to separate the dual nature of humanity, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the suppression of one's darker impulses.

Quote: "man is not truly one, but truly two."

This statement encapsulates the central theme of duality in human nature that the novella explores through Jekyll's transformation.

Mr. Edward Hyde

Mr. Edward Hyde represents the embodiment of evil and the darker aspects of human nature in the novella. As the alter ego of Dr. Jekyll, created through a mysterious potion, Hyde serves as a physical manifestation of the repressed desires and malevolence that Jekyll seeks to separate from his public persona.

Key characteristics of Mr. Hyde include:

• Smaller and younger in appearance compared to Jekyll
• Powerful and violent in nature
• Mysterious and elusive
• Represents the evil side of Jekyll's personality

Highlight: Hyde's physical appearance as smaller and younger than Jekyll symbolizes the underdeveloped and primitive nature of humanity's baser instincts.

The relationship between Jekyll and Hyde becomes increasingly complex as the story progresses, with Jekyll becoming reliant on the potion to transform into Hyde. This dependency illustrates the addictive nature of indulging in one's darker impulses and the difficulty of maintaining a split personality.

Quote: "I had every reason to believe it was forgery"

This quote, likely referring to Hyde's actions, underscores the deceitful and criminal nature of Jekyll's alter ego, highlighting the moral degradation that occurs when one gives free rein to their evil inclinations.

The character of Mr. Hyde serves as a powerful exploration of the themes in Jekyll and Hyde GCSE students often study, particularly the concept of duality and the struggle between good and evil within a single individual.