Gothic literature is known for its dark and often supernatural themes, and Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is no exception. The story follows the dual nature of its protagonist, Dr. Jekyll, who is struggling to keep his darker impulses, embodied by Mr. Hyde, in check. As the story progresses, the reader sees how Hyde gradually takes control, leading to Jekyll’s eventual downfall.
While there are many gothic elements at play in the story, one of the most important is the idea of duality. This is seen both in Jekyll’s struggle to keep his two sides separate, and in the way that Hyde is a dark reflection of Jekyll’s own personality. The story also explores the idea of good versus evil, and how even the most well-meaning person can be tempted to give in to their darker desires.
Stevenson’s use of suspense and horror also contribute to the gothic feel of the story. As the reader is drawn into Jekyll’s world, they are also left wondering what will happen next, and whether Jekyll will be able to keep Hyde at bay. The story’s gruesome and unexpected ending is another example of how Stevenson expertly crafted a gothic tale that continues to captivate readers to this day.
Other related questions:
How does the term Gothic double relate to Jekyll & Hyde?
The Gothic double refers to the two-sided nature of the characters in Jekyll & Hyde. On one side, they are good, upstanding citizens, and on the other, they are dark, dangerous, and often monstrous. This duality is what makes the Gothic double so fascinating, and it is one of the things that makes Jekyll & Hyde such a classic story.
What does The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde represent?
There is no one answer to this question as the novel can be interpreted in many ways. Some people see it as a story about the battle between good and evil, while others see it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of repression. It is also possible to interpret the novel as an allegory for the Victorian era itself, with Jekyll representing the public face of respectability and Hyde representing the hidden, dark side of Victorian society.
What literary form is Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a novel.
How does the description of Jekyll’s laboratory add to the Gothic atmosphere of Jekyll and Hyde?
The description of Jekyll’s laboratory adds to the Gothic atmosphere of Jekyll and Hyde by creating a sense of foreboding and unease. The laboratory is described as being dark and cramped, with a strange smell that makes Jekyll’s assistant feel uneasy. This setting contributes to the feeling that something is not quite right with Jekyll, and that his experiments may have dangerous consequences.