Similarities Between Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde

Dracula, Frankenstein, and Jekyll and Hyde are three classic novels that are often considered pillars of Gothic literature. These novels share many aspects of the Gothic genre, including their dark themes, supernatural elements, and focus on the grotesque. One of the five central aspects of Gothic literature is its focus on the darker side of humanity. In Dracula, Bram Stoker explores the theme through the formal monstrous character, Dracula, who is depicted as an evil force that threatens the safety of Victorian society."I have learned not to think little of anyone's belief, no matter how strange it may be."(Dracula 159) This quote, spoken by Jonathan Harker, highlights the idea that even the most rational and level-headed individuals can

Jekyll's alter ego, Mr. Hyde, represents the evil side of his nature that he cannot control. "I felt younger, lighter, happier in the body; within I was conscious of a heady recklessness, a current of disordered sensual images running like a mill race in my fancy, a solution of the bonds of obligation, an unknown but not an innocent freedom of the soul." (Chapter 10) This quote shows how Dr. Jekyll's darker human nature is unleashed when he transforms into Mr. Hyde. The novel also touches on the theme of addiction, as Jekyll's transformation into Hyde becomes increasingly frequent and difficult to control. The novel's use of a supernatural element, the transformation of Jekyll and Hyde, further reinforces its connection to the Gothic genre. All three novels also utilize Gothic metaphors and conventions, such as the use of eerie settings, supernatural elements, and mysterious characters. For example, the castle of Dracula is a classic Gothic setting, while the use of science to create life in Frankenstein is a common theme in the genre. Additionally, the mysterious and puzzling character of Mr. Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde is a classic example of the Gothic trope of the unknown and