The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886. It tells the story of a London lawyer, Gabriel John Utterson, who investigates strange occurrences between his old friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde. The novella explores the duality of human nature, and how the two sides can battle for control of a person.
Strange Tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is set in Victorian-era London. Utterson is a lawyer and a close friend of Dr. Jekyll, a respected doctor and philanthropist. One day, Utterson is approached by an acquaintance, Enfield, who tells him of a strange incident he witnessed. He saw a sinister-looking man, Edward Hyde, trample a young girl, only to be paid off handsomely by an older and respected gentleman, Dr. Jekyll.
Utterson is shocked to learn that the elderly gentleman was his friend, Dr. Jekyll. He begins to investigate the strange case, and discovers that Dr. Jekyll has written a will which leaves all of his possessions to Edward Hyde. Utterson is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery and find out what connection there is between Jekyll and Hyde.
Unraveling the Mystery
Utterson soon discovers that Edward Hyde is actually an alter-ego of Dr. Jekyll. Jekyll has been using a potion to transform himself into Hyde, and has been using the potion to indulge in immoral and criminal activities. Utterson is determined to stop Jekyll from transforming any further, and to protect him from the consequences of his actions.
Utterson and Jekyll’s butler, Poole, break into Jekyll’s laboratory and find Hyde dead on the floor. They discover a letter written by Jekyll, explaining that he is unable to control his transformations and that he is weary of the fight between his good and evil sides. Jekyll commits suicide shortly afterwards, leaving Utterson and Poole to ponder the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a classic novella that has been adapted into many different forms over the years, including literature, film, television and theatre. It is a timeless exploration of the duality of human nature,