The Literary Life Podcast Episode 237: “Best of” Series – “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” Pt. 2, Ep. 106
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Aug 13, 2024 Dive into the mysterious world of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' as the discussion uncovers the suspenseful narrative structure and intriguing duality of its characters. Explore the concept of forbidden knowledge and its chilling parallels with 'Frankenstein.' The hosts examine the moral dilemmas of addiction and the consequences of dehumanization, while also reflecting on the rich historical context of the story. Get ready to ponder the nature of morality and the struggle between good and evil through captivating literary insights.
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Science As Forbidden Fruit
- Stevenson and Mary Shelley depict scientific hubris as a form of forbidden knowledge that corrupts.
- Both authors show science promising liberation but producing self-destruction instead.
Addiction As Central Metaphor
- The story reads as an image of addiction: initial control gives way to diminishing returns and enslavement.
- Hyde grows stronger as Jekyll weakens, mirroring how substances gain power over abstaining will.
Two Kinds Of Moral Disorder
- Stevenson dramatizes two kinds of disorder: passions ruling reason and a weak will failing to act rightly.
- Jekyll shows both flipped order and weakening will, explaining his descent into Hyde.