Robert Louis Stevenson
review
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde reads like a finely tuned reaction—clean inputs, controlled conditions, and a product that hits with satisfying precision. Unlike some Victorian literature that feels like wading through molasses in steel-toed boots (looking at you, Conrad), Stevenson’s language is refreshingly clear, like he actually wanted us to understand what was happening. Shocking, I know.
What I loved most about this little novella is how tightly it’s paced. It doesn’t mess around—starts strong, builds intrigue like a good titration curve, and finishes with a bang that’s as inevitable as it is satisfying. There’s never a dull moment, and yet, it still manages to squeeze in some meaty philosophical questions about duality, repression, morality, and whether your dark side should be locked in a flask or let out for a stroll now and then. As a chemistry student, I couldn’t help but appreciate the potion-as-personality metaphor. A literal chemical transformation to symbolize internal chaos? Subtlety is overrated anyway.
That being said, the big plot twist—surprise, they’re the same guy!—feels a bit defanged by how deeply embedded it is in pop culture. By now, even people who think Jekyll is a street in London know that he’s moonlighting as his own worst enemy. It’s a shame, really, because Stevenson builds the mystery with real finesse, and I can only imagine how thrilling that reveal must’ve been before it became common trivia.
Still, prior knowledge didn’t ruin it for me. It’s just such a well-crafted story—dynamic, thought-provoking, and surprisingly modern in its themes. It gets in, messes with your mind a bit, and gets out before overstaying its welcome. A lean little monster of a book that does what it came to do, no filler. For once, I finished a classic and didn’t feel like I needed a nap or a thesaurus. That’s worth celebrating.
context
- Dual Nature of Man: This is the central theme. Stevenson explores the idea that every human has a dual nature: one side that seeks to conform to societal norms and the other which desires to act without moral constraint. Dr. Jekyll creates Mr. Hyde to explore his darker side without ruining his reputation
- Victorian Society: The story is set in Victorian London, a time when reputation was everything, and the appearance of respectability was often maintained at the expense of morality. The novella critiques this hypocrisy, suggesting that everyone has a hidden, darker side.
- Gothic and Horror Elements: Stevenson uses elements of horror and the gothic to build tension and atmosphere. The transformation scenes, the fog-laden streets of London, and the chilling acts of violence all serve to create a sense of dread and foreboding.
- Scientific Discoveries and Debates: The novella was written during a time of scientific revolution. Darwin’s theories on evolution and debates on the nature of the human mind were hot topics. Jekyll’s transformation can be seen as a manifestation of these scientific and psychological debates about the fundamental nature of humanity.
- Influence of Religion: The influence of religion, particularly the Calvinistic doctrines prevalent in Stevenson’s Scotland, is evident. These doctrines often emphasized the duality of good and evil inherent in man, a concept mirrored in Jekyll’s and Hyde’s relationship.
- Legal and Moral Implications: The story also delves into issues of legality and morality. Hyde’s actions raise questions about accountability and the extent to which one can or should separate a person’s actions from their other self.
- Literary Style and Structure: Stevenson’s use of multiple narrators, each adding their own perspective to the events, builds suspense and allows readers to piece together the horrifying truth along with the characters.