Thursday 16 March 2023

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde- R L Stevenson

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

About the author RL Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson (1850-1894) was a Scottish novelist, poet, and essayist, best known for his adventure novels such as "Treasure Island," "Kidnapped," and "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."



Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, into a family of lighthouse engineers. He was a sickly child, and due to poor health, he spent much of his early life indoors, reading and writing. Despite his fragile health, he studied law at the University of Edinburgh, but he soon realized that his true passion lay in writing.

In 1878, Stevenson published his first book, "An Inland Voyage," which chronicled his journey by canoe through France and Belgium. His next book, "Treasure Island," was published in 1883 and became an instant success, establishing Stevenson as a popular and successful writer.

In addition to his novels, Stevenson also wrote poetry, essays, and travelogues. He was known for his vivid and evocative writing style, his attention to detail, and his ability to create memorable characters.

Stevenson's personal life was also fascinating. He was married to Fanny Osbourne, an American divorcee, and the two of them traveled extensively, spending time in Europe, the United States, and the South Pacific. Stevenson's love of travel and adventure is reflected in his writing, which often features exotic locations and dangerous escapades.

Stevenson died in Samoa in 1894, where he had moved with his family for health reasons. Despite his relatively short life, Stevenson's writing has had a lasting impact, and his stories continue to be read and enjoyed by readers all over the world.


The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1886. It is a Gothic fiction story set in Victorian London, and it tells the story of a respected doctor named Henry Jekyll and his evil alter ego, Edward Hyde.



Dr. Jekyll is a well-respected and admired member of society, but he harbors a secret desire to indulge in his darker side without fear of societal retribution. To this end, he creates a potion that transforms him into Mr. Hyde, a younger, stronger, and more ruthless version of himself.

As the story unfolds, Mr. Hyde becomes increasingly violent and erratic, committing horrific crimes that shock and horrify the community. Dr. Jekyll struggles to keep his alter ego under control, but eventually loses the ability to transform back into his former self.

The novel explores themes of duality, morality, and the nature of evil. It also reflects the anxieties of Victorian society, where appearances and reputation were highly valued, and where the fear of scandal and ruin could drive people to hide their true selves.

"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" has had a lasting impact on popular culture and has been adapted into numerous plays, movies, and TV shows. It remains a classic of Gothic literature and a powerful exploration of the darker aspects of human nature.


Analysis of A strange case of Dr. Jylell and Mr. hyde

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson and first published in 1886. The story is set in Victorian London and centers around Dr. Henry Jekyll, a respected physician, and his alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde, a violent and cruel man.

At the beginning of the story, Dr. Jekyll is described as a respected member of society, known for his charitable work and intellectual pursuits. However, he has been working on a secret experiment, which he believes will help him separate his good and evil personalities into two distinct entities.

Dr. Jekyll's closest friend and confidant, Mr. Utterson, begins to suspect something is wrong when he receives a will from Dr. Jekyll that leaves all of his possessions to Mr. Hyde in the event of his death or disappearance. Utterson's concern is further heightened when he witnesses Hyde brutally trample a young girl in the street and later discovers that Hyde is the sole beneficiary of Jekyll's will.

As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Jekyll and Hyde are one and the same, and that Jekyll's experiment has transformed him into his evil alter ego. Jekyll begins to lose control over his transformations, and Hyde begins to take over more frequently, leading to a string of violent and disturbing incidents.

In the end, Jekyll commits suicide in an attempt to rid himself of his alter ego, but the damage has already been done. The story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of playing God and the consequences of ignoring one's own inner demons.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is considered a classic of Gothic literature and has been adapted for film, television, and stage numerous times over the years. It continues to be a popular and influential work of fiction that explores the darker side of human nature.

Thanks for visiting. I hope it is helpful.

No comments:

Post a Comment

National Seminar- Convergence of AI, DH, and English Studies

Convergence of AI, DH, and English Studies Organised by DoE, MKBU Participated in a National Seminar hosted by Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Depa...