A Comprehensive Analysis of Literary Protagonists - Sykalo Evgen 2023

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson

Robert Louis Stevenson's classic novella "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" explores the complexity of morality, human nature, and the duality of the ego. The mysterious figure of Dr. Jekyll and his evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde, are at the center of the story. The many facets of Dr. Jekyll will be examined in this analysis, including his character type, function in the narrative, history, motivations, conflicts, relationships, symbols, character arc, language, cultural background, and critical viewpoints.

Type of Character
Dr. Jekyll is a dynamic character that goes through a significant metamorphosis that powers the story's main conflict. He presents himself as a respectable and skilled scientist at first, but as the narrative progresses, his internal conflicts and the appearance of Mr. Hyde expose the depth and instability of his personality.

Purpose in Narrative
In the novella, Dr. Jekyll plays the roles of both adversary and protagonist. In his role as the main character, he stands for both the pursuit of scientific understanding and the interest in the dual nature of humanity. In his role as the antagonist, he simultaneously challenges ethical standards and cultural norms by creating Mr. Hyde, which sets off a chain of disastrous events.

History
Dr. Jekyll's training as a highly qualified and skilled scientist provides the framework for his studies into the dual nature of humanity. His social standing and affluent background have contributed to the internal struggle he goes through, as he struggles to balance his darker, secret aspirations with the standards of a respectable gentleman.

Characteristics of the Person
Throughout the story, Dr. Jekyll displays a variety of personality traits that change. He is initially presented as a respected and kind member of society. But there may be a darker, more intriguing side to him as well, given his desire to create Mr. Hyde in order to distinguish between the good and evil sides of himself. Jekyll's characteristics change throughout the narrative, becoming more unpredictable and erratic.

Inspirations and Objectives
The study of the dual essence of humanity and the quest of scientific knowledge are Dr. Jekyll's main driving forces. He wants to distinguish between the good and bad sides of himself because he thinks that doing so will make his life more rewarding and free.

Dispute and Difficulties
The main issue in the story is Jekyll's internal conflict between his fascination with the darker, more reckless aspect of human nature, represented by Mr. Hyde, and his desire for social approval. The difficulties he encounters are the result of trying to manage and separate these opposing factors.

Contextual Links
Relationships between Dr. Jekyll and people around him, especially with his close friend Mr. Utterson, shed light on the effects of his internal strife. The narrative's intensity is increased by Jekyll's experiments' secrecy and his tense relationship with Utterson.

Archetypes and Symbolism
The dual nature of human nature is a larger issue that is symbolized by the character of Dr. Jekyll. He represents the stereotype of the "mad scientist" who causes unintended repercussions in the name of research. The change into Mr. Hyde is a representation of the wild and unbridled parts of the human psyche.

Storyline
A major arc in Dr. Jekyll's character development takes place as he goes from being a well-respected scientist to a troubled person caught in a double life. The turning point in his character arc occurs when he realizes the consequences of his deeds and undergoes his ultimate metamorphosis.

Vernacular and Conversation
Throughout the story, Dr. Jekyll's terminology changes to reflect his internal conflicts. At first intelligent and poetic, his vocabulary grows more frantic and disjointed as he deals with the fallout from his experiments. The linguistic disparity between Jekyll and Hyde highlights Jekyll's inherent dualism even more.

Historical and Cultural Background
Victorian England, the setting for the novella, was a time of both societal expectations and technological discoveries. While Dr. Jekyll's internal conflict highlights the moral and social limitations that pervaded Victorian society, his scientific endeavors mirror the intellectual milieu of the day.

Evaluative Viewpoints
Scholars and literary critics have interpreted the persona of Dr. Jekyll in a variety of ways. Some consider him as a symbol of the internal conflict between good and evil that exists in every person, while others regard him as a cautionary tale about the perils of unbridled scientific ambition. Investigating various viewpoints deepens our comprehension of the character's complexity.

Arrange Your Evaluation
Following the suggested procedures, we can organize the analysis by going from Dr. Jekyll's character type to critical perspectives. This methodical approach will offer a thorough comprehension of the character's growth and importance within the story.

Offer Proof
Certain passages and lines from the novella will be cited to bolster the analysis. The characteristics, motives, and conflicts of the character will be demonstrated, for instance, by quoting Jekyll's original account of his experiment and the ensuing changes into Hyde.

To sum up, the examination of Dr. Jekyll's character in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" offers a sophisticated investigation of the human psyche. Stevenson's depiction of Jekyll's inner conflicts, driving forces, and eventual metamorphosis offers a powerful statement about the repercussions of interfering with each person's innate dual nature. Readers are still drawn to the perennial issues of morality, identity, and the implications of scientific curiosity, which are exemplified by the character of Dr. Jekyll