Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: a case of two sides- simplicity and complexity

Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886)- Robert Louis Stevenson (123 pages)

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde follows Gabriel John Utterson’s mystery to determine what has happened to his friend Dr. Jekyll and how the grotesque Mr. Hyde has managed to influence him. This work begins in an ominous setting as Utterson walks along with his friend Richard Enfield past an unsuspecting doorway. This doorway leads into a story from Enfield that propels the reader into the mystery and suspense of the rest of the novel. A novel filled with tension, incredible insight, and horrors.

The writing style is quite easy. Stevenson’s work is predominately filled with action that allows for the reader to be swept along easily. Some scenes are very descriptive whether on nature, the appearance of Hyde, or Dr. Jekyll’s scientific practices but none are too verbose or confusing to sidetrack the reader. The mystery is also very short at under 123 pages (including an introduction in my edition) which feels even shorter as Stevenson leads you along in the intrigue of the tale.

There are two main themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: duality and appearance. Duality is prevalent throughout the work. I don’t hesitate to say this next section because almost certainly through pop culture or other outlets you know the conclusion of the story, spoiler alert: Dr. Jekyll is Mr. Hyde. As a quick interlude, I don’t believe that knowing that conclusion ruins the book for the reader. I knew that conclusion before reading but was still quickly caught up in the intrigue of the narrative. The duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the physical representation of the struggle every person has in their lives but instead of just morally, Stevenson represents it physically. The struggle between the goodness and the badness of the soul. This struggle is what Plato identified long ago, as he described different parts of the soul representing different values and outcomes. Now back to Stevenson’s work. Mr. Hyde is the wholly corrupted, horrible version of Dr. Jekyll. Now I don’t want to spoil any more of the plot but as the reader, you should follow the evolution of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’s relationship and who holds dominion over the other.

The second theme, appearance, is linked to the first. Mr. Hyde is described as horrific making everyone who sees him writhe and this is before the narrator, Mr. Utterson, even sees him. Everyone that sees Mr. Hyde is scarred, scared, and filled with hate for him. This is another concept that has been around for some time, the idea that the exterior whether it be beautiful or corrupt matches the soul. Like Richard III, for instance, the horrible appearance of Mr. Hyde represents his soul full of hate and cruelty. As you read the novel, just like for the duality theme, track the progression of the physical appearance of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde specifically in relation to each other.

I really enjoyed this novel. The readability, matched with great intrigue, and the overall length of the novel created a very fast and enjoyable read. Very early on Stevenson wraps you up into the ominous story and does a great job setting the scenes. Whether with the almost supernatural fog of the city or the blood-curdling descriptions of Mr. Hyde the suspense is palpable.

Overall, I think this is a very enjoyable and digestible classic. It’s very short so still appears easy to the casual reader yet Stevenson wrestles with some extremely important themes and concepts. I found myself rereading sections, not for comprehension but rather to break down the incredible concepts and revelations that Stevenson wraps together. I would highly recommend Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a novel that anyone can read. Even if you are inexperienced with the classics, you can understand the plot and thus enjoy that aspect of it. If you are more experienced you can understand the minutia, the evolution, and the complex themes that Stevenson places throughout.

As always, my scoring breakdown is below. Thanks for reading!

Score: 8- Turns out to be one of my highest-rated novels. Where previous novels I have scored well fell short on readability, and thus lowered the score, this one does not.

Readability: 8- Quick pacing and action create an easy read.

Thematic Questions: 8- An incredible amount of thematic discourse and profound passages packed in a tight story.

Enjoyment: 8- A great story of suspense.