Author’s Note: Since the beginning of this novel, I have been greatly drawn into the level of sinister qualities that are driving many of the characters, and even more so the progression across the fine line of good or evil, furthermore, the increasing imagery of boundaries being drawn to separate those who have been indulged by the devil. Thus, I come to offer an analysis of the actions of Dr. Henry Jekyll in his progression on this journey of what is good and what is evil.
We all love a little evil and a little sinister in entertainment, it makes life a little more interesting and fun. But too often is the very fine line between something that is sinister yet good and that of pure and whole evil misinterpreted. Until now, I always associated them as one in the same but the truth is that they are in fact quite different. This difference is clearly represented by Dr. Henry Jekyll’s progression of sinister actions yet good to the wholly evil temperament that will inevitably lead not only to his demise but the demise of many others.
Upon my first encounter with Dr. Jekyll’s character during the youth of this engaging tale, I was be founded by his brilliant appeal and great intelligent and intellectual charisma. It seemed that a man that associates himself with those whom are “all intelligent, reputable men” (56), much like himself no doubt could be tainted by anything less than the most pure of intentions. Alas, with great power comes great responsibility and when one is tainted by the power just a tad more so than the responsibility, the result can be a breaching run across the moral line into the depths of evil. Many great men throughout history have been corrupted by their ability and power and Dr. Jekyll is no especially when it comes to his incredibly unordinary relation with the murder Mr. Hyde. While in trying to deny his evil actions and seek riddance of his relation to Mr. Hyde, as he promises to Mr. Utterson that he "will never set eyes on him again" (52). Repentance to his sins, no doubt was the impression that had been made in my mind, and with good reason. It would seem only natural that someone of Dr. Jekyll's great intellect and repertoire would seek immediate estrangement from a man of such evil despite the connection between them. I mean when someone commits and act as malicious as murder, there is no doubt that an action must be made against him. However, Dr. Jekyll having such a connection to Mr. Hyde once again instead of doing what is right, he does what is easy.
As the reading proceeds, Dr. Jekyll becomes very separated from the rest of his society claiming to be in an ill state, and thus refuses guests because it would be, "quite impossible" (60). However, upon further inquiry at Dr. Jekyll's residence, the proof that the good doctor is indeed no longer of good but instead of evil comes screaming into evidence. Mr. Utterson and Mr. Enfield had caught a glimpse of the man that Dr. Jekyll had sworn to never set eyes on again and "that glimpse had been sufficient" (61). The moment Dr, Jekyll broke his vow to never set eyes on Mr. Hyde again, the moment he allowed Mr. Hyde to cross the threshold into his residence, the moment that Dr. Jekyll began to live a lie was the moment that the progression from sinister but good came to a screaming entry into evil and now Satan's mark will forever lie on Dr. Jekyll. It is indeed a great transgression to lie to friends such as Mr. Utterson but it is a transgression more to allow the figure of the Devil himself to seek refuge in one's home. Dr. Jekyll who was overtaken by what was easy will no forever be doomed by a life at the hand of Satan.
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