I have read many a novel in my many years as a mortal on planet earth but as time goes on, there is one novel that shines past all previous ones and makes all following books I read seem dull and grey. This novel is none other than the masterpiece of Mr. Robert Louis Stevenson, if that is how one is supposed to spell his name. This book is referred to as Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and is a classic read by many respectable people; one of those such people is, me. One of the many main reasons that I chose to write about my delightful experience reading this paperback novel is because, I studied this novel for my form 3 syllabus and the plots, themes, characters, etc etc etc, are still fresh in my memory.
On to serious stuff now. This story takes place in merry old England in the 18 century if I’m not mistaken. It follows the series of enigmatic happenings going on about the place where this story takes place. It is about how an experiment meant for benevolent ends can turn into something sinister; it is about Dr. Jekyll’s creation, Mr. Hyde. From the genesis of the story, one can’t help but develop a sense of despise towards the despicable Mr. Hyde, but I digress. Back to general stuff now. The story starts in the late hours of the night, or actually the wee hours of the morning. Anyway the story starts off with a young man ambling aimlessly in his half-drunken stupor swinging his cane, and humming the tune of the moment. He strolls around without much direction when suddenly he sees a strange sight. He sees an ugly man colliding with a young girl. Now that’s just an accident but the appalling part is that this ugly man tramples over said girl and runs along without even a backward glance. What an asshole right? Anyway that’s how the story commences.
Later on, a new character is introduced. His name is Mr. Utterson. An ordinary name. Nothing spectacular; nothing fancy or overly dramatic. A simple name for a man of simple taste. However, don’t be fooled by the simple name or his simple façade. Behind this mask of simplicity is a great man of nobleness, loyalty, courage, and many more respectable qualities. He is faithful and stuff. He’s a pretty main character. He’s Mr. Utterson. Now, how things work out is like this. Mr. Utterson hears of this new menace, Mr. Hyde, from his nephew whose name I cannot recall. He starts to be curious as this random Hyde fellow’s name is mentioned in the funny will that puzzles Mr. Utterson’s simple mind. This funny will stipulates that Dr. Jekyll’s belongings, all of it, will go to Mr. Hyde in the case of Jekyll’s death or disappearance. Utterson, being lovey dovey and all fears for his good friends life. Jekyll, on the other hand persists in his indifference and his perplexes Utterson. The plot thickens.
After much noise and gossip going on, Mr. Hyde gets into less trouble. His name is almost forgotten, until he ruthlessly murders an mp, a certain Sir Danvers Carew. Now, he is a wanted man. Oh, before I go one, I would like to mention that Mr. Hyde is actually Dr. Jekyll after he takes some fancy, science-y serum that completely isolates his bad boy side. Now that we have a firm grasp on the going ons, we shall continue. Like I said, he is wanted. He has nowhere to go. Mr. Hyde, being smart as he is actually the prestigious Dr. Jekyll changes back. At some point in time, Jekyll realizes that as he exercised his bad boy side too much he is changing back to Hyde in his sleep. This is bad. He is in deep faeces as he is a wanted man.
In the end, the tortured Jekyll, or actually Hyde commits suicide as he does not want to face execution. The truth is finally out and the reader gets a full glance at what has been happening all along.
I’d say, I like this novel. Why? I don’t know why but something about the story speaks to me; something about the story just strikes a missing chord in me and I feel better after reading this marvelous work of literature. Maybe it just has what the french call, ‘je ne sais quoi’; a something special, one just cannot put ones finger on. With all that I’ve said and done I leave you, enlightened. Please do buy the novel as it is good.
now i have 2 more essays. oh why did i take eng lit
