The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Henry Jekyll’s Full Statement of the Case

Summary Notes �Jekyll begins with constant references to the mask that all men wear. �J refers to the duality in all men. �J desires to split the dual personalities. �J fails to see the hypocrisy in himself and his work. �J put aside personal danger as he was gripped by the same greed for knowledge as Lanyon. �J took delight in the freedom that Hyde offered him – the freedom from moral obligations and a conscience.

Summary Notes �Hyde’s stature is linked back to theory of under- evolution – Jekyll believes as it was the smaller part of his personality it had not the opportunity to grow. �The repulsion of Hyde stems from his lack of good – he is the only single in a world of duality. �H was an outlet for J’s sinful side – he sated J’s temptations. �Acts which in the hands of normal man were “undignified” were escalated to “monstrous” in the hands of H. �H allowed J to live vicariously with no repercussions.

Summary Notes �The mask motif reappears as H is the mask that J could put on the sin in safety. �We again see the irony that J thinks he is in control. �H is a concerned only with himself, he is a “ man of stone” – self preservation and no heart or soul. �H gains in strength around the time of the murder of Sir Danvers. �J losing control of H transformation. �H gaining more strength with more regular appearances.

Summary Notes �Jekyll begins the debate of his destiny – Hyde or Jekyll. �J chooses himself but cannot hold off from temptation. �The longer H was caged the more furious his rage when he was unleashed. �J gives in to his temptations as H gains more control. �H’s first appearance in daytime was when he finally gained control over J. �H again linked to animals – the under-evolved. �Face of J is now the mask, not that of H.

Summary Notes �Self preserving nature of H means J had to take his own life to take that of H. �Fact that H was the body found shows he is `home base`, not J.