The study of literary works is of particular value not only for understanding the time when they were written or for the life of the author. It is of interest because it can provide important information about a person’s inner experiences and, with the help of artistic tools, expose the psychological aspects of the personality. This fact can be traced in the story by Robert Louis Stevenson called “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.” It is argued that this literary work raises the topic of personality dualism, masterfully showing the struggles that the main protagonist goes through and providing insight into how severe mental problems can be felt.
The story by Stevenson reveals to readers the story of Dr. Jekyll, who is different from others. The difference between the main protagonist is that he struggles with his inner alter ego, which is named Mr. Hyde. The peculiarity of this problem is that the author reveals the theme of the dualism of the human personality, revealing through his character the excellent and bad beginnings of personality. Therefore, the author claims that “the more Jekyll thought to do and appear to be ‘good,’ the more ‘evil’ he made Hyde” (Stevenson 22). Thus, it can be determined that Dr. Jekyll suffers from such a psychological illness as a split personality. At the end of the work, the author shows that in the absence of proper treatment and assistance to individuals, the disease can lead to severe consequences.
In conclusion, Robert Louis Stevenson’s literary work “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” provides valuable information about what can happen to an individual in such a deviation as a split personality. The author skillfully conveys all the experiences and difficulties of the main character and shows the dualism that arises in human nature. The study and analysis of the story promote awareness of the need to help patients with this psychological disorder.
Work Cited
Stevenson, Robert Louis. Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Chump Change, 1886.