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A review by grayslittlecells
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
4.0
[b:Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde|51499|Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde|Robert Louis Stevenson|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1733716900l/51499._SY75_.jpg|3164921] is a quick, creepy, and thought-provoking classic that dives into the age-old battle between good and evil. It shows what can happen when you let the dark side take over and control the wheel, and it's not great.
The novella’s core theme of duality challenges readers to consider the nature of human identity. Dr. Jekyll’s experiments stem from his desire to separate the virtuous and malevolent sides of himself, a concept that raises profound philosophical questions about morality and self-control. Stevenson does not offer easy answers, leaving readers to grapple with the unsettling idea that evil is not an external force but a latent part of our own character. This ambiguity, combined with the story’s gothic atmosphere, makes the novella endlessly thought-provoking. The theme of unchecked ambition and the dangers of science without ethical boundaries also resonates. Jekyll’s descent into chaos serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pursuing knowledge and power without fully understanding their implications. Even though it was written in 1886, this book doesn’t feel old or out of date, other than noticeable language differences. The ideas about identity and morality are just as relevant now as they were back then. Truly, Stevenson’s writing is sharp and suspenseful, keeping you engaged as the mystery unfolds.
However, the novella does leave readers with a few unanswered questions. Why does Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde spiral so quickly out of control? What ultimately drives his initial willingness to indulge in his darker side? While these ambiguities may frustrate some, they also contribute to the novella’s enduring mystique, inviting readers to ponder and interpret the story in their own way.
The circumstances under which Stevenson wrote the novella add a fascinating layer to its legacy. Reportedly, [a:Robert Louis Stevenson|854076|Robert Louis Stevenson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1192746024p2/854076.jpg] was gravely ill during the book’s creation and composed much of it in a feverish state. Some accounts suggest the story came to him in a dream, further contributing to its haunting, dreamlike quality. His illness also imbued the text with a sense of urgency and intensity, as though Stevenson himself was grappling with his mortality. Certainly a read that is well worth its time, if not for its cultural significance alone.
The novella’s core theme of duality challenges readers to consider the nature of human identity. Dr. Jekyll’s experiments stem from his desire to separate the virtuous and malevolent sides of himself, a concept that raises profound philosophical questions about morality and self-control. Stevenson does not offer easy answers, leaving readers to grapple with the unsettling idea that evil is not an external force but a latent part of our own character. This ambiguity, combined with the story’s gothic atmosphere, makes the novella endlessly thought-provoking. The theme of unchecked ambition and the dangers of science without ethical boundaries also resonates. Jekyll’s descent into chaos serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of pursuing knowledge and power without fully understanding their implications. Even though it was written in 1886, this book doesn’t feel old or out of date, other than noticeable language differences. The ideas about identity and morality are just as relevant now as they were back then. Truly, Stevenson’s writing is sharp and suspenseful, keeping you engaged as the mystery unfolds.
However, the novella does leave readers with a few unanswered questions. Why does Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde spiral so quickly out of control? What ultimately drives his initial willingness to indulge in his darker side? While these ambiguities may frustrate some, they also contribute to the novella’s enduring mystique, inviting readers to ponder and interpret the story in their own way.
The circumstances under which Stevenson wrote the novella add a fascinating layer to its legacy. Reportedly, [a:Robert Louis Stevenson|854076|Robert Louis Stevenson|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1192746024p2/854076.jpg] was gravely ill during the book’s creation and composed much of it in a feverish state. Some accounts suggest the story came to him in a dream, further contributing to its haunting, dreamlike quality. His illness also imbued the text with a sense of urgency and intensity, as though Stevenson himself was grappling with his mortality. Certainly a read that is well worth its time, if not for its cultural significance alone.