Table of Contents
1)Introduction
2)Dr. Jekyll vs. Mr. Hyde
3)Dr. Jekyll´s motivation
4)Analysis of the relationship between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
5)Conclusion
Bibliography
1) Introduction (Extract)
In the 19th century published cases of both dual and multiple personalities were accumulated, for instance that of Mary Reynolds, who could have been a model for Robert Louis Stevenson´s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
In parallel to these publications a new interest in supernaturalism, excitement and drama developed. Gothicism as well as duality are themes which Stevenson had long been trying to write about and emerge in lots of his other writings, such as Olalla, The Body Snatcher and The Dynamiter. But the psychic conflict of doubles found its most “explicit treatment” in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886), which also “endures as a landmark in the evolution of psychological fiction”. Even the names of ´Jekyll´ and his alternating personality ´Hyde´ have become a kind of allegory for “any homicidal wolf in sheep´s clothing”, not only for those who have read their story but also for those who have not.
...
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Dr. Jekyll vs. Mr. Hyde
- Dr. Jekyll's motivation
- Analysis of the relationship between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to analyze the psychological duality of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in Robert Louis Stevenson's novel through a close examination of their contrasting personalities, Jekyll's motivations for his experiments, and the evolving relationship between the two. The analysis will primarily draw upon the original text and interpretations from various literary critics.
- The duality of human nature
- The psychological consequences of repressed desires
- The nature of good and evil
- The use of narrative voice and perspective in creating suspense
- The representation of the Doppelgänger in literature
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by establishing the historical context of dual personalities in the 19th century and highlighting the novel's significance in the evolution of psychological fiction. It discusses the enduring power of the Jekyll and Hyde allegory and mentions the variations found in various adaptations. The author outlines the paper's focus on a psychological analysis of Jekyll/Hyde, emphasizing a comparison of their personalities, exploring Jekyll's motivations, and examining their relationship's development.
Dr. Jekyll vs. Mr. Hyde: This chapter delves into the contrasting personalities of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It examines the narrative structure, noting the multiple perspectives (Enfield, Lanyon, Jekyll) and how this adds to the psychological depth and suspense. The chapter contrasts the physical descriptions and behaviors of Jekyll and Hyde, using quotes from the text to illustrate the stark differences in appearance and demeanor. Hyde is presented as monstrous and frightening, evoking strong negative reactions from those who encounter him, while Jekyll is initially depicted as respectable and well-liked. The chapter also highlights the mystery surrounding Hyde's origins and lack of readily available information about him, contributing to his ominous and unsettling presence.
Keywords
Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Doppelgänger, duality, psychological fiction, repressed desires, good vs. evil, narrative voice, Gothic fiction.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Analysis
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of an academic paper analyzing Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It includes the table of contents, objectives, key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What are the main themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores the duality of human nature, the psychological consequences of repressed desires, the nature of good and evil, the use of narrative voice and perspective in creating suspense, and the representation of the Doppelgänger in literature. The analysis focuses on the psychological aspects of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’s relationship.
What is covered in the "Dr. Jekyll vs. Mr. Hyde" chapter?
This chapter contrasts the personalities of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, analyzing their physical descriptions and behaviors using quotes from the novel. It examines the narrative structure, highlighting the multiple perspectives and how they contribute to the psychological depth and suspense. The chapter also emphasizes the mystery surrounding Hyde's origins and his unsettling presence.
What is the significance of the introduction?
The introduction establishes the historical context of dual personalities in the 19th century and highlights the novel's significance in psychological fiction. It discusses the enduring power of the Jekyll and Hyde allegory and its various adaptations, outlining the paper's focus on a psychological analysis of the characters.
What sources does the analysis primarily draw upon?
The analysis primarily draws upon the original text of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and interpretations from various literary critics.
What are the key words associated with this analysis?
Key words include: Robert Louis Stevenson, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Doppelgänger, duality, psychological fiction, repressed desires, good vs. evil, narrative voice, and Gothic fiction.
What is the overall approach of the paper?
The paper employs a close examination of the contrasting personalities of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Jekyll's motivations, and the evolving relationship between the two to analyze the psychological duality within the novel.
- Quote paper
- Kathrin Reis (Author), 2008, Doppelgänger: A psychological analysis of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/158719
