“I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man… If each, I told myself, could but be housed in separate identities, life would be relieved of all that was unbearable.”
Chapter 1: Story of the Door
Mr. Utterson, a lawyer, listens to his friend Enfield describe a disturbing incident: a sinister man named Hyde trampled a young girl and paid off her family with a check signed by the respectable Dr. Jekyll. Utterson grows uneasy, as Jekyll’s will bizarrely leaves everything to Hyde.
Chapter 2: Search for Mr. Hyde
Utterson investigates Hyde, finding him repulsive and violent. He confronts Jekyll, who refuses to explain his connection to Hyde but insists he can rid himself of the man at will. Utterson remains troubled by Jekyll’s erratic behavior.
Chapter 3: Dr. Jekyll Was Quite at Ease
At a dinner party, Jekyll appears cheerful and normal, reassuring Utterson about Hyde. However, Utterson notices a fleeting expression of fear when Hyde is mentioned, deepening his suspicions.
Chapter 4: The Carew Murder Case
Hyde brutally murders Sir Danvers Carew, a well-liked politician. A maid witnesses the attack, and Hyde’s identity is confirmed. Utterson leads the police to Hyde’s lodgings, but he has vanished.
Chapter 5: Incident of the Letter
Utterson visits Jekyll, who claims to have cut ties with Hyde and shows a letter supposedly from him. However, Jekyll’s butler Poole reveals his master has secluded himself in his laboratory, refusing visitors.
Chapter 6: Remarkable Incident of Dr. Lanyon
Dr. Lanyon, a mutual friend of Utterson and Jekyll, falls gravely ill after a mysterious encounter with Jekyll. Before dying, he gives Utterson a sealed letter to open only after Jekyll’s death or disappearance.
Chapter 7: Incident at the Window
Utterson and Enfield spot Jekyll at his laboratory window, looking despairing. When they greet him, his expression twists into horror, and he slams the window shut. Poole reports that his master refuses to leave the lab.
Chapter 8: The Last Night
Poole summons Utterson, fearing foul play. They break into the lab and find Hyde’s corpse, dressed in Jekyll’s clothes, having poisoned himself. A letter from Jekyll explains the truth.
Chapter 9: Dr. Lanyon’s Narrative
Lanyon’s letter recounts how Jekyll transformed into Hyde before his eyes, revealing that they are the same person. The shock of this revelation hastens Lanyon’s death.
Chapter 10: Henry Jekyll’s Full Statement of the Case
Jekyll confesses he created a potion to separate his good and evil selves, becoming Hyde. Initially freeing, the transformations grow uncontrollable. Hyde’s dominance leads Jekyll to suicide, ending the nightmare.
Key Ideas
- The duality of human nature—good vs. evil within one person.
- The dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation.
- Repression and hypocrisy in Victorian society.
- The loss of identity and self-control.
- Fear of the unknown and the monstrous.
Notable Adaptations
| 1920 | Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | Silent film starring John Barrymore. |
| 1931 | Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | Oscar-winning performance by Fredric March. |
| 1941 | Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | Spencer Tracy’s iconic dual role. |
| 1996 | Mary Reilly | Retelling from a housemaid’s perspective. |
Who should read this book?
- Fans of Gothic horror and psychological thrillers.
- Readers interested in Victorian literature and societal critiques.
- Those exploring themes of identity and morality.