Critical Response #5 Dr. Jekyll's connection to Mr. Hyde is more than just accepting that Hyde is a part of Jekyll. It is protective and obsessive. In addition to Hyde's psychological part, this relationship might be characterized in a variety of ways. First of all, I think that Jekyll's transition into Hyde gives him permission to engage in actions and wants that he would not otherwise be able to. A sense of freedom and joy is brought about by this indulgence. He admits his feeling by saying “There was something strange in my sensations, something indescribably new and, from its very novelty, incredibly sweet. I felt younger, lighter, happier in my body;...” (Stevenson, ch.10, pg. 112). The aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid aforesaid …show more content…
He states that “And certainly the hate that now divided them was equal on each side. With Jekyll, it was a thing of vital instinct” (Stevenson, ch.10, pg.137). This quote demonstrates Jekyll and Hyde's continuing fear and hatred for one another. Jekyll's urge to keep Hyde protected comes from his understanding that being exposed would have terrible social and physical consequences for him. He recognizes that his own existence depends on keeping Hyde's presence hidden, which displays his protective behavior motivated by self-preservation and concern about the irreversible damage that would result if Hyde came out to the public. I also believe that Jekyll's connection with Hyde might also be interpreted as an addiction. Despite being aware of the chaos Hyde is doing, Jekyll is powerless to avoid the changes. Jekyll's reliance on Hyde has unavoidable consequences, just how addiction does. Every change into Hyde diminishes Jekyll's strength, stability, and self-control, reflecting the negative effects of one’s addictive behaviors. I do believe Stevenson utilizes Dr. Jekyll's obsession with Mr. Hyde to make several genuine social commentary