A Natural Want for Knowledge

Author's Note: Upon the advice of Mrs. Woods, I have decided to write about the natural want for knowledge and information this time around. Upon finishing this past Chapter, 9, it was intriguing to learn more of the events of the novel and furthermore, learning more of the natural want for information. Thus, I offer and analysis of the never ending natural want for knowledge.

As a reader, there is a never ending want to find the true meaning of a piece of literature and with good reason, but as a human being, an individual, a person, what is it that makes us want to know so much more than is really necessary about someone or something. Why would an intelligent being such as Dr. Lanyon want to know the deepest and darkest secrets of Henry Jekyll, of which are known to be the darkest aspects of the novel. Yet as with most everything else, human curiosity out ways simple logic head over heels.

Ensuing along his narrative, Dr. Lanyon meets a key point in the definition of good and evil in knowledge through his work to save the life of his old friend, Dr. Jekyll. Having the choice to learn of the truth known to be virtually evil that he need not know or to follow logic and allow the entirety of this evil and sinister occurrence makes the choice that any human would make. Despite having been warned that if told he " 'shall be blasted by a prodigy to stagger the unbelief of Satan' " (101), he proceeds in a pursuit of the truth justifying it as though having " 'gone too far in the way of inexplicable services to pause' " (101). Anyone of us would have made this same exact decision time and time again, even if the result was known in its entirety, because as humans we are hardwired to seek knowledge of such things. Even when logic tells us that something's are just meant to go unknown, as a human we never accept it. It is a natural human flaw that drives some to the limit. Why, we may never know, yet what is known it that once the prized knowledge is revealed it is a game of Russian Roulette to determine whether such knowledge is devastating. As for Dr. Lanyon, it is indeed, as upon the disclosure of the true identity of Mr. Hyde, he screams " 'O God!' again and again" (102). The result of acquiring information that ought not be acquired can be so terrible indeed. Yet as humans we never cease to push further and further never looking back, no matter the crime nor punishment.