Everyone knows the story of Jekyll and Hyde – it’s easily one of the most well-known stories ever written, to the extent that it transcends the medium of literature and is literally something that gets used in day-to-day speech. How often, for example, have you heard something described as a “Jekyll and Hyde situation” where somebody is very nice one minute, and very nasty the next? Probably loads of times. I want to read practically everything, but a novel as influential as this? Of course I was excited to see what it was like.
The only problem is that because it’s so well known, a lot of the fun is taken out of it. Most of the story is built around a mystery. What’s the connection between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde? How does Hyde have so much sway over Jekyll? These days we all know they’re the same person, so the ultimate twist at the end is much less impactful. I can imagine that it was an absolutely incredible ending back in the day, but it’s a shame that the novel is essentially universally spoiled – especially as it’s very short and all built around this one mystery.
Nonetheless, I don’t mean to suggest that there is no point in reading this. It’s still an enjoyable ride that is beautifully written. The novel’s narrator, Gabriel Utterson, has that kind of deeply affectionate friendship with Dr. Jekyll that I love to see in nineteenth century literature. I could also totally read Jekyll as gay, because when talking about his repressed desires, he mentions things he finds too shocking to mention – and considering the violent things he does mention, and the extremely uptight Victorian mindset, I think that would work quite well. That then also explains his self-loathing and desperate attempts to change himself. I thought this was a much more overt than any other allegedly gay character in nineteenth century literature that I’ve come across, so found that quite an appealing aspect.
If you love gothic novels, this is definitely one you’ll want to read. If it were longer, it’d potentially outstay its welcome when it can no longer depend on mystery and intrigue to keep people interested. Nonetheless, this is a novel with great characters and a delightful atmosphere, and it’s central premise, of their being a dark side to even the nicest people, is an endlessly interesting one.
Rating: 8.3/10
