*Some pun about Jekyll and Hyde*

Step 1)

In this analysis I will be comparing the characterization of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The text for Mr. Hyde comes from chapter 1 and the text for Dr. Jekyll comes from chapter 6. Originally I was going to type the two quotes out for you, but the second one was kinda long, and I'm not that committed so you'll just have to imagine that they're there. The author Robert Louis Stevenson used a similar style with contrasting effect to characterize each character. The contrasting characterization is shown by Stevenson's description of the characters, in short, Mr. Hyde is "downright detestable" while Dr. Jekyll is a "familiar guest and friend" (Stevenson 5,22). Jekyll is described quite clearly, he is a well liked and held in high standing with his two close friends. He was known for his charity and religion, meaning he was a man of good morals. Hyde on the other hand receives no such description. Stevenson uses a series of contradictions that leave a general feeling of distaste. He is not described in a meaningful way, rather it is made known that the presence of Mr. Hyde is not pleasurable.

Through both descriptions, Stevenson uses the same style to characterize Jekyll and Hyde. They contain long drawn out sentences connected with many commas and semicolons. An interesting thing to note in the descriptions is the contradictions Stevenson makes surrounding these commas and semicolons. It is most evident when Mr. Enfield said that Mr. Hyde is "an extraordinary looking man, yet I really can name nothing out of the way," (Stevenson 5). The contradictions provide an air of suspicion and mystery, and they are a part of Stevenson's style. This idea of two contrasting ideas being present touches on the duality of good versus evil, and how the line between the two can be blurred. Overall, Stevenson uses his unique style of long drawn out syntax to describe the two characters in opposing ways, which like the contradictions, symbolizes the duality of human nature.

Step 2)

The purpose of this poem is to show the contradicting states of mind between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.  One constantly longing for the release of being able to sin without consequence and the other freely able to do so.  It shows the duality of human nature by questioning the reason that Jekyll has become such a well renowned citizen, is it because he is inherently good?  Or because he is scared of the consequences?

A Poem for Two Voices

Jekyll Hyde

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I am I am

Loved

Hated

Friend of many

I abide alone

Rich in my life of

Well standing

Poor in lower class

No wealth to speak of

So many rules and

My reputation to uphold

Everyone hates me I feel no

Remorse

I hate

I do not notice

Judgement of others Judgement of others

Oh how I love to be

Oh how I want to be

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