Transformations in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

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Dr. Jekyll being an eminent doctor, with a powerful social and educational background, has an extremely sophisticated and refined appearance “a large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty” (44). As the quote suggests Dr. Jekyll has a majestic and renowned persona. The charity he does for the society, and his living Standards are all visible through the appearance he manifests. On the other hand, Hyde being Dr. Jekyll’s contrivance, to carry out evil purposes has an unattractive appearance and a repellent demeanor. “There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable” (35). As per the quote Hyde looks very ugly. His deeds are uglier and compliances suitably to his physical self. Dr. Jekyll is subjugated by the Victorian rules and regulations to lead his evilness in disguise. In Victorian era, a quintessential gentleman is well dressed and is on highly social ranking, which Dr. Jekyll very well fits in. He cannot satisfy his unexpressed desires in his original self. Therefore Jekyll transforms himself into Hyde, to keep his reputation and self-image intact. The appearance is not just subjected to their physical self, it also reflects through their living environment. Dr. Jekyll lives in a well-furnished mansion with “a great air of wealth and comfort” (42). This depicts the quality of the home and the morally right actions that conspires in the house, whereas Hyde lives in a laboratory with “the dingy, windowless structure…distasteful sense of strangeness” (50). The imagery in this quote is used to describe the condition of Hyde’s poor living environment. The look of Hyde’s house and his own appearance is all against the typical Victorian society’s standard. This makes Dr. Jekyll to pr... ... middle of paper ... ... let people see Hyde’s evil deeds ().The quote demonstrates that London is described as a dark city, with so many hidden crimes taking place, like a nightmare. The city serves a purpose to hide both Dr. Jekyll and Hyde’s personality. Dr. Jekyll and Hyde symbolize the good and bad in human form. Jekyll symbolizes the protective barrier for Hyde to commit sins. Hyde represents the evil side of a human. Stevenson showcases the duality in human form by putting forth Jekyll and Hyde as an example. Dr. Jekyll does everything possible to keep his real identity hidden. He wants to enjoy his luxurious life as a respected medical practitioner. At the same he has some dangerous desires and things he wants to do for himself. To satisfy his temptation, he disguises himself behind Hyde and uses London’s mysterious atmosphere to execute his plan, without getting caught.

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