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A review by nikolas_kolinski
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Tales of Terror by Robert Louis Stevenson
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
- The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Review
Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (4.25)
Probably one of the most iconic and best written short stories ever. The plot is pretty simple in the end, but Stevenson manages to convey an interesting depiction of the Victorian compromise and the inner dualism of human beings. Matched with a captivating style, an effective build-up of suspense (informing the reader of Hyde's crimes through "gossip" works really well as an innovative creative choice) and interesting characters - and let's not forget how innovative the change of POV in the last two chapters is! -, Stevenson's tale is definitely worth a read.
Its structure and plot development, even though its brevity, may definitely help aspiring writers.
Recommended!
The Body Snatcher (4.5)
In a short yet horror- and suspense-packed story, Stevenson manages to show the widespread phenomena of body snatchers, which more often than not coincided not only with the theft of dead bodies but with sheer murder (the tale is in fact inspired by Burke and Hare, two serial killers that sold the bodies of their victims at the times).
Underlining yet again the dualism of Victorian society and the absolute lack of morality of many of its inhabitants - especially the ones in the East End or poor quarters, who were willing to do anything just to get money - and matching it with a perfect build-up of suspense and a compelling style, Stevenson's story is engaging and thoroughly interesting to read.
Olalla (2.25)
A simple story full of clichés that drags far too long. The initial part is pretty enjoyable and Stevenson's descriptions are evocative (sometimes, even a bit too much), but the whole vampiresque love story felt boring and sort of tedious, also because of not fully fleshed out characters. A similar thing can be said for the obsolete moral and the strong presence of Christian elements.
It does without doubt carry some importance though, considering the presence of elements and details that inspired not only The Picture of Dorian Gray but even Dracula by Bram Stoker himself!
All in all, notes and analysis delve even deeper into the importance of Stevenson's most famous tale and offer an enjoyable and interesting exploration of its many possible interpretations, themes and effects. As short and enjoyable as it is, everyone should read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde at least once in their life.
Probably one of the most iconic and best written short stories ever. The plot is pretty simple in the end, but Stevenson manages to convey an interesting depiction of the Victorian compromise and the inner dualism of human beings. Matched with a captivating style, an effective build-up of suspense (informing the reader of Hyde's crimes through "gossip" works really well as an innovative creative choice) and interesting characters - and let's not forget how innovative the change of POV in the last two chapters is! -, Stevenson's tale is definitely worth a read.
Its structure and plot development, even though its brevity, may definitely help aspiring writers.
Recommended!
The Body Snatcher (4.5)
In a short yet horror- and suspense-packed story, Stevenson manages to show the widespread phenomena of body snatchers, which more often than not coincided not only with the theft of dead bodies but with sheer murder (the tale is in fact inspired by Burke and Hare, two serial killers that sold the bodies of their victims at the times).
Underlining yet again the dualism of Victorian society and the absolute lack of morality of many of its inhabitants - especially the ones in the East End or poor quarters, who were willing to do anything just to get money - and matching it with a perfect build-up of suspense and a compelling style, Stevenson's story is engaging and thoroughly interesting to read.
Olalla (2.25)
A simple story full of clichés that drags far too long. The initial part is pretty enjoyable and Stevenson's descriptions are evocative (sometimes, even a bit too much), but the whole vampiresque love story felt boring and sort of tedious, also because of not fully fleshed out characters. A similar thing can be said for the obsolete moral and the strong presence of Christian elements.
It does without doubt carry some importance though, considering the presence of elements and details that inspired not only The Picture of Dorian Gray but even Dracula by Bram Stoker himself!
All in all, notes and analysis delve even deeper into the importance of Stevenson's most famous tale and offer an enjoyable and interesting exploration of its many possible interpretations, themes and effects. As short and enjoyable as it is, everyone should read The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde at least once in their life.
With every day, and from both sides of my intelligence, the moral and the intellectual, I thus drew steadily nearer to the truth, by whose partial discovery I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two.