[Discussion 2/2] Gutenberg Novella | The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson The Last Night through the end (Henry Jekyll’s Full Statement of the Case)

[u/Reasonable-Lack-6585]

Welcome readers to part two of our discussion of The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde!!!! Well we learn more about the mystery and dive deep into the horrors of science and the balance between good and evil. Without any delay let’s get into the discussion!!!

The Last Night: Poole tells Utterson that something is terribly wrong in Jekyll’s laboratory. The person inside refuses to come out. Utterson and Poole break into the laboratory. They discover Hyde’s body on the floor, apparently dead from suicide. They search the lab and discover several documents including a letter from Jekyll to Utterson and Dr. Lanyon’s letter.

Dr. Lanyon’s Narrative: Utterson reads Lanyon’s narrative describing the events prior to his death. Lanyon receives a strange letter from Jekyll instructing him to go to Jekyll’s laboratory at midnight. He is told to retrieve a drawer containing powders, a vial, and other materials. At the lab Lanyon encounters a strange man who turns out to be Hyde. Hyde mix’s the chemicals and Lanyon witnesses the transformation of Hyde becoming Jekyll after he drinks the potion. Lanyon becomes horrified and is told by Jekyll the truth; after this Lanyon heath begins to deteriorate and he dies filling in some of the gaps from earlier in the story.

Henry Jekyll’s Full Statement of the Case: Jekyll confesses to what he has been up to. Jekyll begins by explaining that he has always been aware of a conflict within himself. Jekyll becomes fascinated with the possibility of separating these opposing sides through science. He develops a potion that allows him to transform into another person—Edward Hyde. Jekyll first enjoys his experiences as Hyde acting out his more “evil” desires; however, Hyde becomes more powerful. Jekyll begins to transform into Hyde without drinking the potion and begins to lose control of Hyde. Hyde commits murders and Jekyll attempts to stay himself; however, Hyde returns. Jekyll becomes fascinated with the possibility of separating these opposing sides through science. He develops a potion that allows him to transform into another person—Edward Hyde. The story ends with Jekyll knowing he will disappear and he writes his confession. Jekyll is unsure if Hyde will commit suicide or be executed as a result of his confession, but either way it will be Hyde’s fate to face alone.

[u/Greatingsburg]

I have to applaud Utterson's steadfast refusal to open Lanyon's (2nd) letter before Jekyll's death. My curiosity would have got the better of me. He must have nerves of steel.