Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Enriched Classics offer readers accessible editions of great works of literature enhanced by helpful notes and commentary. Each book includes educational tools alongside the text, enabling students and readers alike to gain a deeper and more developed understanding of the writer and their work.

Stark, skillfully woven, this fascinating novel explores the curious turnings of human character through the strange case of Dr. Jekyll, a kindly scientist who by night takes on his stunted evil self, Mr. Hyde. Anticipating modern psychology, Jekyll and Hyde is a brilliantly original study of man’s dual nature—as well as an immortal tale of suspense and terror. Published in 1886, Jekyll and Hyde was an instant success and brought Stevenson his first taste of fame. Though sometimes dismissed as a mere mystery story, the book has evoked much literary admirations. Vladimir Nabokov likened it to Madame Bovary and Dead Souls as “a fable that lies nearer to poetry than to ordinary prose fiction.”

Enriched Classics enhance your engagement by introducing and explaining the historical and cultural significance of the work, the author’s personal history, and what impact this book had on subsequent scholarship. Each book includes discussion questions that help clarify and reinforce major themes and reading recommendations for further research.

Read with confidence.

Reviewed by maggiefan on

3 of 5 stars

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So... I'll start by saying that I have very mixed feelings about this book.
Let's begin with the positives:
- a really spooky atmosphere
- Jekyll's kinda cool :)) a very interesting character with a backstory
- Hyde's kinda cool too
- this quote - '“If he be Mr. Hyde,” he had thought, “I shall be Mr. Seek.”'
The negatives:
- I didn't get enough of Jekyll and Hyde. Instead I got more than enough of Mr. Utterson. He's just so bland and boring, I don't know...
- VEEEERYYY slow pacing, especially in the beginning. Nothing happens until the end. And considering it's a very short book it's weird and not okay for me.
- I guessed the plot twist from the beginning. It's not like it's a bad thing. It just took away from the story a little bit. And I think that the author could have tried to make it less obvious.

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  • Started reading
  • 24 September, 2019: Finished reading
  • 24 September, 2019: Reviewed