Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | Ep.23
Robert Louis Stevenson is a master of writing. His stories, while they are exciting in and of themselves, often present realistic glimpses of human nature. One such example is in his story The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
This story shows a man, Dr. Jekyll, and his struggle with sin. He discovers a powerful drug which allows him to take on a new physical form, which is the embodiment of his deepest, most sinful desires. In his new form, Jekyll can indulge his wicked desires without fear of repercussions on normal self. Throughout the story, everyone sees Jekyll and Hyde as two different people, and Jekyll is able to keep his two personalities distinct. However, as the story continues he begins to find that he can no longer control his transformations into the vile form of Hyde. Rather than accept the help offered to him by those around him, he hides his struggle form them and distances himself. His attempts to hide Hyde lead him to various acts of desperation, and eventually his actions lead to his own death.
Through the story we the reader are made to examine our own hearts. It is easy to spot the folly of Jekyll as an observer. We might be tempted to remark what a fool he is and scrutinize every horrible decision he makes. However, when we look closer we see our own nature reflected back in Jekyll’s actions. At the end of the story Stevenson causes us to question if we would have done the same thing given the opportunity. If we stop and think on this question, we may not like the answer we give. This story encourages us not just to recognize evil in the world around us but within our own hearts. Jekyll has a sinful heart as do we all, and we all at times have indulged it. Through Jekyll we are allowed to see an image of what happens when we indulge our sins to the point that they we no longer control them but they control us. A small sin may start small, but left unattended it may grow to have a power over us that we cannot escape.
Though this tale is not a long one, through his masterful use of story Stevenson leads us to scrutinize the sins in our own heart. We all have secret desires and sins that from time to time we indulge. We do not like to think on them, yet if we do we realize how utterly despicable we truly are. We are no better than Hyde. Many despair of hope at this thought, but there is hope. Despite our wretchedness, Christ was slain for our sins, and if we turn we can be forgiven and delivered from their power. Through Jekyll we see the results of hiding away our sins. To overcome them we must have the courage to lay them in the open and accept the help that is offered to us.
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