Reviews

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

raq_29f's review against another edition

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

matthewthe38th's review against another edition

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dark mysterious

4.0

sandra_broadwill's review against another edition

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2.5

This has that narrative style of many old classics where an unimportant character is inexplicably the narrator. But then when we finally do get an explanation from Dr. Jekyll about the events in his own words, the narrative just suddenly ends and there's no reflection on the part of the narrator. Also doesn't pass modern standards because deformity is repeatedly linked to ugliness and evil. 

But of course, it's a classic for a reason. A story about a scientist who thought he could separate human nature into its pure good and pure evil components.  He only succeeds, however,  in creating the pure evil version of himself.  Without pure good to counter it,  his regular human nature cannot resist the overwhelming power of evil.  A dark and gothic look at morality and depravity.

sams84's review against another edition

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5.0

A brilliantly written collection of stories that reflect all the complexities and desires of the human conditions. The classic tale of Jekyll and Hyde reflects how people yearn to be someone else or lead a double life (which I have reviewed in more detail for another edition here [b:The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and other stories|392745|The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, and other stories |Robert Louis Stevenson|http://photo.goodreads.com/books/1174405357s/392745.jpg|17441791]). This collection also contains The Merry Men which tells of one man's slow descent into madness as isolation takes its toll, Will O' The Mill which tells of one man's determination to be contented with his lot in life, Markheim telling of one man whose evil deed quickly turns and makes him a better person, Thrawn Janet tells of the reaction as man's convictions are tested to the extreme, Olalla, a tragic tale of love and loss with a supernatural twist and lastly The Treasure of Franchard where an innocent boy becomes teacher as his master's greed and pride over-rides his humanity. All of these stories are superbly written and capture the essence of the characters and events of which they tell, keeping the reader thoroughly engaged until the very end.

sams84's review against another edition

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5.0

A brilliantly written collection of stories that reflect the complexities and desires of the human conditions. The classic tale of Jekyll and Hyde reflects how people yearn to be someone else or lead a double life. I found Jekyll's character more interesting than Hyde's. Hyde was clear in his wants and desires and did what he wanted, how he wanted and when he wanted while Jekyll was clearly far more restrained and controlled. The comparison between the two characters reflects on the dual and competing characters of people, the dilemma between conforming to society and doind what you want is still prevalent today especially with the advent of the internet and global fashions and trends. A chilling warning to keep control of both sides of you're personality and not to let one win out over the other.

emmakgj's review against another edition

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

becadii's review against another edition

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3.0

O livro é bom, tipo é um clássico palavras robustas e vc só entende na reta final kkkk, mas a lição que podemos tirar desse livro é que o homem precisa do bem é do mal temos que saber equilibrar e lidar não ficar segurando o bem ou mal

mikathereviewer's review against another edition

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dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

"I have brought on myself a punishment and a danger that I cannot name. If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also. I could not think that this earth contained a place for sufferings and terrors so unmanning;[...]”"

I really liked this story. The first time I stumbled above this must have been when I received a goosebumps book with similar title, which was a reference to it. I was curious as to why R. L. Stine would reference to a different horror book, so I finally read it now. It didn't disappoint. 

First of all, I really liked the overall idea of this short story — About good and evil. Some might know that I really loved the Dostoevsky book named ‘Crime and Punishment’, which follows the same concept. I just really like to read books about psychology in a more eerie way, like a character trying to balance good and evil in himself, but becomes unsuccessful in the end. 

"[...]all human beings, as we meet them, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil."

Both characters Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde were interesting to read about. I also really liked Mr. Utterson. He was smart and loyal to his friend who was left alone. If I could choose who I would be friends with I think Mr. Utterson is the best choice, as he is trying his best to help everyone and solving the mystery. It was fun reading from his point of view. 

"“If he be Mr. Hyde,” he had thought, “I shall be Mr. Seek.”"

The characters are all interesting in their own ways and I really liked the plot twist and the technique that was used to reveal it. The story is short and I would consider it a horror classic that everyone should have read at least once.

literallyelza's review against another edition

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dark

3.0