Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde investigates the dichotomy of good and evil. It also tackles the ideas of modernity, science, and civilization on one hand and barbarism and uncontrolled passion on the other. Jekyll used a potion to create Hyde which provided a Frankenstein-esque warning about unfettered science. At the time, the world witnessed several major technological advances ranging from the telephone to the light bulb. Frankenstein was a reaction to Enlightenment thinking. Dr. Jekyll provided a reaction to Thomas Edison and other major inventors. Eventually, the Hyde personality begins to take over and Jekyll seems willing to submit. Mr. Hyde provided Dr. Jekyll an escape. This last point is an attempt by Jekyll to escape the crushing Victorian ethos against anything sexual.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde proved extremely influential. The work led to several movies which helped advance special effects technology as well as provide an archetype for several movie villains. Additionally, the work clearly inspired comic book characters such as The Incredible Hulk and Two-Face.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde proved extremely influential. The work led to several movies which helped advance special effects technology as well as provide an archetype for several movie villains. Additionally, the work clearly inspired comic book characters such as The Incredible Hulk and Two-Face.
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