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Past Present Future

Fifteen Fictions for Summer re-release: Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde

Aug 24, 2024
In this fascinating discussion, David, a commentator on classic literature, delves into Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.' He unpacks the struggle between good and evil through the lens of duality and transformation. What drives Dr. Jekyll’s hidden desires? The conversation also draws unsettling parallels to modern political phenomena, including influences from Q-Anon and figures like Hillary Clinton. With insights into societal constraints and urges for liberation, David's analysis reveals the story's timeless relevance.
53:41

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The podcast emphasizes the duality in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, highlighting societal pressures that fuel Jekyll's internal conflict between respectability and pleasure.
  • David connects the themes of the novella to modern societal issues, drawing parallels between Jekyll's repression and contemporary figures like Q-Anon and Hillary Clinton.

Deep dives

The Complexity of Duality

The podcast delves into the themes of duality and the complexities surrounding the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It emphasizes how the perception of these two figures is often oversimplified, with many mistakenly associating Jekyll with evil. The speaker clarifies that Dr. Jekyll is intended to represent a genteel and respectable character, while Mr. Hyde embodies the sinister aspects of human nature. This misunderstanding underscores the deeper mystery of Dr. Jekyll's identity and moral conflicts as the narrative unfolds.

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