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.
...
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Dr. Jekyll vs. Mr. Hyde
- Dr. Jekyll's motivation.
- Analysis of the relationship between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to explore the psychological complexities of the Doppelgänger in Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, analyzing the motivations and relationship between the two contrasting personalities. The paper also intends to investigate the context of the work within 19th-century literary trends, particularly the growing interest in dual personalities and supernaturalism.
- The concept of the Doppelgänger and its application in the novel.
- The contrasting characteristics and appearances of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
- Dr. Jekyll's motivation for his dangerous experiments.
- The development of the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde.
- The influence of the Gothic and Romantic traditions on Stevenson's writing.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The introduction sets the stage for the analysis by outlining the historical context of dual personality cases and the rise of interest in Gothic and supernatural themes in the 19th century. It also highlights the significance of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde as a landmark in the evolution of psychological fiction.
The second chapter focuses on a detailed comparison of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, analyzing their physical appearance, behavior, and the different narrative perspectives through which they are presented. The chapter examines how the contrasting characters are portrayed by Enfield, Lanyon, and Jekyll, highlighting the suspense created by the delayed revelation of Jekyll's dual identity.
The third chapter delves into the question of Dr. Jekyll's motivation for performing the experiments that lead to the creation of Mr. Hyde. This chapter explores the potential psychological factors driving his actions, including the desire for freedom, the exploration of dark impulses, and the complexities of the human psyche.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
The key concepts and themes explored in this paper include the Doppelgänger, duality of man, psychological fiction, Gothicism, supernaturalism, dual personalities, repression, identity, evil, moral conflict, and the transformation of the human psyche.
- 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
