What Were The First Names Of Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde In The Original Story

 

"The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a novella written by Scottish author Robert Louis Stevenson and published in 1886. The story follows a London lawyer named Gabriel John Utterson as he investigates the strange relationship between his friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll, and the evil Edward Hyde, who seems to be connected to Jekyll in some mysterious way. In this essay, we will explore the first names of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the original story and their significance to the overall narrative.

 

 

Dr. Henry Jekyll is the protagonist of Stevenson's novella, and his first name is significant to the story. "Henry" is derived from the Germanic name "Heimirich," which means "home ruler" or "ruler of the household." This name is appropriate for Dr. Jekyll, who is a wealthy, respected member of Victorian society and who seeks to maintain control over his life and reputation. Dr. Jekyll is a man who appears to have everything under control, from his successful medical practice to his loyal circle of friends. However, his desire to explore the darker aspects of his nature leads him to create Mr. Hyde, his alter ego.

 

 

In contrast to Dr. Jekyll's dignified first name, Edward Hyde's first name is common and unremarkable. "Edward" is derived from the Old English name "Eadweard," which means "wealthy guardian" or "rich guardian." This name is ironic because Hyde is anything but a wealthy or benevolent character. Instead, he is violent, cruel, and amoral. His name is a reflection of his true nature, which is hidden beneath the respectable facade of Dr. Jekyll.

 

 

The names of the two main characters in Stevenson's novella are significant because they reflect the duality of human nature that is at the heart of the story. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are two sides of the same person, and their names reflect this split personality. Dr. Jekyll's first name suggests a man who is in control of his life and his surroundings, while Mr. Hyde's first name suggests a man who is common and unremarkable. However, both names are a façade, hiding the true nature of the characters.

 

 

The surname "Jekyll" is also significant because it suggests the word "jekyll" which means to change or transform. This reflects Dr. Jekyll's desire to transform himself into Mr. Hyde, his alter ego. The surname "Hyde" is also significant because it suggests the word "hide," which reflects Mr. Hyde's desire to hide his true nature from the world. Both surnames are a reflection of the characters' true nature and their desire to hide their true selves from the world.

 

 

In conclusion, the first names of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in the original story are significant to the overall narrative because they reflect the duality of human nature. Dr. Jekyll's dignified first name suggests a man who is in control of his life, while Mr. Hyde's common first name suggests a man who is unremarkable. However, both names are a façade, hiding the true nature of the characters. The surnames "Jekyll" and "Hyde" are also significant because they reflect the characters' desire to change and hide their true nature. Stevenson's use of names in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" underscores the central theme of the story, which is the duality of human nature and the struggle between good and evil.

 

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