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

# The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde In *The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,* Stevenson presents Mr. Hyde as a terrifying character who embodies the dark side of human nature. Through Hyde's unsettling appearance, violent actions, and connection to Dr. Jekyll, Stevenson reveals th...

# The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde In *The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,* Stevenson presents Mr. Hyde as a terrifying character who embodies the dark side of human nature. Through Hyde's unsettling appearance, violent actions, and connection to Dr. Jekyll, Stevenson reveals the reality of evil within everyone. The novella also looks into Victorian fears and societal expectations, illustrating how the suppression of human desires can lead to destructive consequences. ## Hyde's Appearance Hyde's appearance is described as unnatural and terrifying. Mr. Enfield tells us there is "something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable." The repeated use of "something" points to the difficulty in describing Hyde and his unsettling nature. This vagueness forces readers to imagine the worst, cultivating an atmosphere of unease and mystery about Hyde. This detail also serves to spotlight Victorian phobias: a belief that physical deformities or oddities reflected moral corruption. Hyde's uncanny appearance would have been particularly upsetting to a Victorian audience, as appearance was directly connected to character. ## Hyde's Violent Behavior Hyde’s violent behavior showcases his utter lack of humanity and morality. One of the most disturbing examples is his murder of Sir Danvers Carew “with ape-like fury.” The description "ape-like" portrays Hyde as primal and animalistic, lacking control over his violent nature. This echoes Victorian fears about the savagery and untamed side of humanity, which they believed could surface when societal rules and morals were overlooked. The term “fury” highlights Hyde’s uncontrollable rage, demonstrating his impulsive actions devoid of empathy or regret. Through this scene, Stevenson paints Hyde as the embodiment of unrestrained violence and evil, a stark contrast to the ordered and restrained Victorian society. ## Hyde and the Duality of Human Nature Hyde represents the idea that all humans possess two sides – a good side and a dark side. Jekyll describes Hyde as "pure evil," but the two are not separate entities. Hyde is a part of Jekyll, born from the desire to fully embrace his dark side. This reveals that everyone possesses a darker side regardless of how hard they try to suppress it. By creating Hyde, Jekyll attempts to separate his two sides, allowing him to indulge in his impulses without jeopardizing his reputation. However, he ultimately loses control over Hyde, demonstrating the potential danger inherent in giving in to dark instincts. Through this exploration, Stevenson reveals that no one is entirely good or evil. Everyone is a complex individual capable of both, and as Stevenson puts it, "There is no such thing as bad people, We're all just people who sometimes do bad things." ## Conclusion In summary, Stevenson presents Mr. Hyde as a frightening and malevolent symbol of humanity's darker side. His unsettling appearance, violent actions, and connection to Jekyll ultimately serve as a cautionary tale about the risks of suppressing human nature. Hyde's destruction of Jekyll's life highlights the fragile balance between good and evil. The novella concludes by leaving readers pondering their own duality and the choices they make.