Comparrison of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, and the Picture of...

The term gothic fiction implies a British literary genre from the late eighteenth, and early nineteenth century. The modernized term seems to have been generalized into anything that is dark, gloomy, or depressing. Gothic novels often time posses an emphasis on portraying the terror, a prominent use of supernatural circumstances, the presence of highly stereotyped characters, and the attempt to display techniques of literary suspense. There are also other parallels among this vastly popular genre. Gothic novels often time describe the city of London in corresponding ways. Also a common theme amongst gothic literary works is the duality of human nature, or the quality or characteristic of being twofold. These mutual themes are apparent in†¦show more content†¦Wilde removed many of the references of homosexuality, and added an additional six chapters; after the book was pulled from the shelves due to the public’s response. An additional parallel between the novels is duality and human nature. Both characters posses a dark side, in which they pursue their personal pleasures. Although similar, the two characters go about this in diverse manners. In Stevenson’s novel the Jekyll-Hyde transformation is a physical one. After consuming a potion, Dr. Jekyll seems to separate the evil within himself into another personality all together, While Dorian Grey goes about doing as he pleases, free from the responsibilities of his actions, due to his mystical portrait. Dorian Grey’s portrait prevents him from suffering the mortal consequences for his deeds, including the natural process of aging. In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde there is not only two identities, but two individual persons. These individuals are aware of one another’s existence, and set out to protect one another. This scenario does not last long. Jekyll seeks to separate the good and evil within himself, and believes he has ejected the evil completely from himself. Dr Jekyll can prosper without the burden of shame, while Mr. Hyde can go about himself, fulfilling his desires without restrictions. As the story develops Jekyll’s conscious becomes â€Å"slumbered† (Stevenson 53), while Hyde grows in stature, and malice.