Similarities Between Jekyll And Hyde

Is Dr. Henry Jekyll a psychopath?
Stan Lee was inspired by Robert Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Hyde to create the Hulk. Both illustrate two entities fighting within one person. Robert Louis Stevenson was born in Edinburgh, Scotland. He graduated from law school but never practiced due to his inclination towards writing. His writings were mostly inspired with his various expeditions around the world. His famous creations include Treasure Island and Kidnapped. His novel, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, was published in 1886. It features the theme of duality within a person, as Stevenson implies, there lies within them an evilness no one would ever imagine exists. It is a story about a doctor who formulates a drug that creates his alter ego. Dr. Henry Jekyll is characterized as a kind and respected man with status. While his alter ego, Mr. Edward Hyde emits eerie sensations to anyone that encounters him. His alter ego slowly takes over as the goodness in him struggles to remain in control. This novel was popularized and adapted to various media. I think one of the reasons behind its success was due to the fact that, during the Victorian era, such plot brought excitement to the readers.

Stevenson, whether intentionally or unintentionally, created a novel that provided insight of a mentally disordered person. I believe that the creation of Hyde is just an excuse for Jekyll, to rationalize and justify his own evil thoughts and aggressive impulses. While Hyde freely commits assaults and murder, Jekyll does not have to feel guilt nor risk endangering his reputation. It is not Hyde who is hiding but Jekyll, Jekyll is Hyde. In today’s society, Jekyll’s characteristics can be analysed within psychopathology