Nick Pateras | Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde
BOOK REVIEW
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde – Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson submits a legendary exposition of the duality of mankind
Short and dramatic, this novella is the very first book I sought out when I began my phase of reading some of the last century’s literary brilliances. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a masterful elucidation of human nature’s duality and through its two primary characters depicts the struggles between the many facets of personality. Rightfully so, it is much acclaimed for this portrayal of the inner conflict between good and evil and it is a testament to its impact that the phrase ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ has entered everyday lexicon. The character of Hyde made me think frequently of Jack the Ripper, which helped bring a chilling element to the story and further added to the mystery.
"It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it."
Stevenson writes the book almost in reverse, peppering much of its bulk with enticing plot points before exposing the canvas behind the curtain in a grand revelation right at the end. Even though most first-time readers may anticipate the ending through external cultural references, it is still a tremendous storyline that is gripping and wondrous in its underlying simplicity.
-NP, April 2013