How does R.L. Stevenson create fear and suspense in the novel " The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde?

        Essential importance has been given to the atmosphere in this book to highlight terror and mystery. It has been skillfully combined to complement the settings, characters and situations. Stevenson has preserved an atmosphere of eeriness to set the appropriate mood for the story. Also, vital importance has been given to the fog so that it is almost a character in the book demonstrating its own moods and preferences. For instance, the fog just after the demise of sir Danvers is presented as a “chocolate coloured pall” to emit a funereal atmosphere. Stevenson makes it seem as though the Heavens shy away from the doings of Mr. Hyde and are condoling the death of a gentleman. The colouring of the fog also plays a significant role to represent the colouring of evil emotions. Atmosphere also plays an important role when Mr. Utterson is being guided to Dr. Jekyll’s house. The atmosphere consists of harsh winds, which “flecked the blood in the face.” The harshness of the winds symbolizes the harshness of evil. The winds seem to be carrying the infinite sins of Mr. Hyde that will never wear away. Moreover, the deserted atmosphere of the London streets signifies that Mr. Utterson is alone in his quest for the truth. The moonlight is another crucial aspect of atmosphere. It plays a significant role during the murder of sir Danvers Carew acting, as a contrast to the horrendous scene. The atmosphere of darkness, even though present all though out the book, becomes most prominent when Dr. Jekyll restlessly paces back and forth in this cabinet. The darkness is symbolical, as not only does it prevent clear vision, but also the distinction of right and wrong. It is therefore figurative as by the time the darkness lifts; it is too late.

        Linguistic details have been provided by Stevenson to add a new dimension to the theme of fear and suspense. The use of graphic descriptions helps the reader to visualize the horrors presented by the author. Stevenson offers a detailed analysis of Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde, triggering in him, the contrasting feelings of ecstasy as well as the “pain of being reborn as Hyde.” Dr. Jekyll has been described as having “more than a father’s interest” and sees Edward Hyde, not as a sinful criminal but as a source to fulfill his innermost desires. Jekyll endures “a grinding in the bones” and a “deep feeling of nausea” for Hyde, however, he doesn’t realize that the price is yet to be paid. The book’s metaphorical title uses the techniques of euphemism and is pregnant with meaning. The word ‘strange’ refers to the recurring peculiarities in the book, however, the events and characters in the story are not only strange, but also extraordinary and are able to shift “the very fortress of identity.” The effective use of dramatic irony helps to intensify the mystery. We notice this technique when Utterson says “if he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. seek.” The statement is ironical as the whole story evolves around a suspenseful hide and seek game between Utterson and Hyde. Utterson is presented as the man who solves all the strings in the story, always seeking the unusual. Alliteration has been employed throughout the book to help give Stevenson’s descriptions a distinctive angle. For instance, Dr. Jekyll has been portrayed as the chief of ‘sinners’ as well as the chief of ‘sufferers.’ Here, Stevenson tries to establish the timeless message that one cannot sit “beyond the reach of fate” by burdening his life with mistakes and blunders. Since the book has been written in the Victorian times, we see Stevenson’s language making constant criticisms on human pretense. Dr. Jekyll wanted Edward Hyde to “pass away like a stain of breath upon a mirror.” This simile signifies the complacence of Dr. Jekyll who doesn’t expect his actions to backfire. However, instead of disappearing into thin air, Hyde wipes out the very existence of Dr. Jekyll. It is thus proved that the blemishes of our faults never wipe away and boomerang into our lives at some point or the other. The Victorian era has been presented as an age of sexual repression, which may be one of the reasons why there are no major female protagonists in the book. It is a society, which condemns the unconventional. References have been made throughout the book to illustrate this, and Stevenson has tried to portray that the Victorian society is a society “smoothed by hypocrisy.” The author’s approach to the book may be one concerning his own childhood and background as he ahs stood the heat of Victorian rigidity.

        Fear and suspense are elements that live their way through the very end of the book. The first real pang of suspense strikes the reader’s when a man who is “wholly evil” produces a cheque in the name of the “pink of proprieties” the situation presents a conflict two types of reputation; one that is stale and one that is imperial. The readers hunt for an association between the two. The mystery in the book is given new heights when Mr. Utterson presents the will of Dr. Jekyll. The will entitles Edward Hyde to Henry Jekyll’s entire fortune in the case of “disappearence or unexplained absence.” The will makes the audience feel that as though from the very beginning, Dr, Jekyll has been getting ready to disappear. Stevenson, as an author, preserves the art of keeping the suspense alive. It is made sure that the curiosity of the reader does not die out and the several unopened letters given to Utterson present this. Utterson is presented as the perfect Victorian gentleman who prioritizes loyalty above his life and it is only this loyalty that keeps the suspicion of the reader pacing. Utterson watches the “misdeeds of others with envy,” however doesn’t permit himself to commit any. His reputation and sense of trustworthiness is maintained all throughout the book, which marks the reign of fear and suspense in the book.

        The appearance of Mr. Hyde is another factor, which keeps the fear in the book alive. Even though there are varied opinions about him, he inspires in everyone, an instant loathing for himself as well as a deep sense of deformity. He is said to have a stamping efficacy and a paranormal sense of reasoning. His “odd, light footsteps” make him seem like an animal. Indeed, Edward Hyde is an animal with a corrupted soul. However, it is not only Hyde’s appearance that that subjects him to universal hate but also his character which is totally immersed in malevolence. Hyde is a figure of profound ruthlessness, which justifies the abhorrence showered upon him. Hyde is throughout the book, is said to possess animalistic features. His “savage laugh” and “dismal screech” prove the essence of authentic unpleasantness.

        In conclusion I would like to say that the book is filled with interesting twists and turns with the element of suspense always kept alive. Dr. Jekyll as the main character in the book can be compared to Eve who wanted to taste the forbidden fruit of knowledge. He, as a researcher of transcendental medicine is aware of the “perennial war” existing in him. His obsession for human perfectibility is the one that draws him closer to his “unethical” and “illicit” practices and thus lead him closer to the “child of hell”- Edward Hyde. We see that this book holds great relevance even in today’s times as it can be related to illegitimate practices like drug and alcohol consumption. The book teaches us that our harmless actions of today can prove to be the murderous addictions of tomorrow. It can also be connected to the unethical advancement in technology such as cloning and genetic engineering. However by noticing the fate of Jekyll we see what happens to men who indulge in “unscientific balderdash” and ask ourselves that whether the advancement in technology is really a short-term blessing or a long-term curse? The book carries a timeless message and is not of an age but for all time therefore it can be connected to Mary Shelly’s Frankenstein as both the books present the abuse of science. The book also shares an association with Freud’s theories of psychoanalysis and split personality and can also be signified as a part of Charles Darwin’s theories of evolution. Darwin’s theories justify the “ape-like fury” of Mr. Hyde. We can also say that Dr. Jekyll’s need for an alter ego was born of the inflexibility of the Victorian society however, according to me, Dr. Jekyll is not justified in his unlawful doings as he tries to utilize his knowledge by using unethical practices and therefore, beings his life to a dead end and a total failure.  “It is easier to live through someone else than to become complete yourself.” (The Feminine Mystique, 1963)