The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by R. L. Stevenson

It is a short psychological horror novel that we know will fascinate you. Here you can download a copy of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in PDF format.

It was published in 1886 and written by R.L. Stevenson who was a prolific writer and became a major influence on great writers of the 20th century. This novel is one of many literary successes of his.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is written with remarkable skill. It deals with a complex and profound topic such as a personality divided in two. An aspect of man that comes to light and another that remains in the shadows.

This short work tells us about the importance of balancing both sides of our being because perfection does not exist, we are not totally good or bad and the solution is not to repress what we consider negative.

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in PDF format

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Summary of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Utterson is a lawyer much loved by his acquaintances, however, he is calm and not very talkative. One day, walking with his friend Enfield, he tells him about an incident he saw on the street they were walking on at that time.

A man who made a very bad impression knocked down a girl and moved on as if nothing had happened. Enfield, upset, does not let him get away and rather demands that he financially repair the damage to the little girl.

The repulsive-looking man walked through the door of a gloomy building, came out after a while with a signed check, and paid his debt.

It did not take long for Utterson to realize that the man who caused so much displeasure, and who had been described so well by his friend, could be that person to whom the highly esteemed and prestigious Dr. Jekyll would inherit everything in the event of his death or disappearance: Mr. Hyde.

Lawyer Utterson had helped him with the will, so he knew about the case. This greatly concerned him, as it must be blackmail, perhaps because of something wrong that Jekyll had done in the past.

Only that could explain that he was related to a man of such regrettable behavior.

Thus begins the search for the truth regarding the entire situation by the noble lawyer. And although he advised Jekyll not to feel obligated to protect this man, he always let him see that it was impossible to get rid of him.

A horrible crime occurred in the city, of which Mr. Hyde was the undisputed perpetrator, as he was recognized by Jekyll’s maid, who saw everything from a window.

Although Utterson stopped intervening a little in the case of Jekyll’s strange friend, in the same way, fate made him close when the outcome of events occurred.

The mystery of the relationship between Jekyll, a highly respected man of science, and Mr. Hyde, a cold-blooded criminal, is finally revealed to leave readers utterly perplexed.

FAQ about The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

What topics does The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde deal with?

Perhaps the most outstanding theme of the novel is how the human being lives the polarity of good and evil. Inevitably, both realities lie with everyone and believing that this is a source of shame can actually make things worse.

Living all the emotions, without causing harm, could be the balance that provides mental health. It also touches on topics such as the power of friendship, forgiveness, justice, and secrets, among others.

What crimes did Mr. Hyde commit?

In the novel, not all the crimes committed by Mr. Hyde are told. However, Dr. Jekyll, at the end of the book, hints that he committed several to quench his thirst for evil.

Only one of them is described in the novel. It happens when Mr. Hyde is in the street with Mr. Carew, and the latter asks him for directions to get to a place, but Hyde quickly loses his temper and beats him to death with a cane.

What is the main enemy of Dr. Jekyll?

Undoubtedly, Dr. Jekyll’s greatest enemy is himself. His mind plays tricks on him and he seems to be out of control. And despite his efforts to appease it, he does not succeed and instead gives even more strength to his inner demons.

What does Dr. Jekyll represent?

In the book, Jekyll represents reason, sanity, respectability, and the fulfillment of noble ideals. But, at the same time, he symbolizes excess, lack of control, and the desire to satisfy very low instincts. This contradiction is what unleashes the conflict of the plot.