Notes on The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Overview

• Written by Robert Louis Stevenson.
• A classic of Gothic literature.
• Explores the duality of human beings: public personas vs. primal urges.

Author Background

• Robert Louis Stevenson:
  • Born: November 13, 1850, in Edinburgh, Scotland.
  • Family background: Lighthouse engineers (father’s side) and Gentry (mother’s side).
  • Health issues: Weak lungs, suffered from tuberculosis.
  • Early education influenced by nurse who read religious stories and ghost tales.
  • Passion for writing from a young age.
  • Travelled extensively for both adventure and health.

Publication of the Novella

• Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:
  • Inspired by a dream in 1885.
  • Written in a few days.
  • Sold 40,000 copies in the first six months.
  • Became a classic of literature.
  • Stevenson died on December 3, 1894, in Samoa.

Gothic Literature

• Falls under the Gothic movement, specifically Gothic horror fiction.
• Focuses on death, the irrational, and dark themes.
• Leaves much to the reader’s interpretation by offering glimpses of perspective.

Themes and Motifs

• Comments on Victorian morality and its contradictions:
  • Poverty, crime, sex, and class conduct.
• Evolutionary themes:
  • Reflects Darwin's ideas on primitive traits in humans.
  • Mr. Hyde described as troglodytic/ape-like.
• Allusions to homosexuality:
  • Perceptions of relationships in 1800s England.

Plot Summary

• Begins with Utterson and Enfield discussing Mr. Hyde’s actions.
• Utterson’s concern for Dr. Jekyll, who bequeaths everything to Hyde.
• Hyde commits murder, leading Utterson to investigate further.
• Jekyll's servant hints at issues with Jekyll's health.
• The climax reveals Hyde and Jekyll are the same person through letters and Lanyon's account.

Symbolism

• Houses: Represent the psyche of their owners.
• Doors: Symbolize passageways into the mind.
• Walking Stick: Represents identity as a gentleman.
• Clothing: Reflects the duality between Jekyll and Hyde.

Key Themes

• Duality of Good and Evil:
  • Jekyll vs. Hyde: Public vs. Private self.
  • Jekyll splits himself to maintain his good reputation while indulging in dark desires.
• Self-Control:
  • Utterson and Enfield embody self-restraint as gentlemen.
• Class Expectations:
  • Influence behavior and societal roles.
• Inquiry and Truth-Seeking:
  • Different characters' approaches to uncovering the truth.

Cultural Impact

• A best-seller upon release, still influential today.
• "Jekyll and Hyde" has entered common language to describe mood swings or duality in personality.