While reading the book Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde I noticed that there are quite some
controversial issues in this novel. Here you have a man who has a problem that only he
and two of his friends knows about. However, his friends did not find out for sure about
the speculations they were having until it was too late. Once Utterson and Lanyon found
out about Jekyll it was too late because Jekyll was already addicted to his experiment.
As if it was a drug, Dr. Jekyll would continuously drink a potion that turned him
into the evil Mr. Hyde. The experiment started out as a hopeful experiment that maybe if
he found a way to alter a good ego to a bad one, he could do it in reverse. It seems as if
Jekyll had the right intentions, but his experiment got out of control.
At one point in the
book when the altered ego was brought up to the doctor he turned pale in color. ” I have
been learning something of young Hyde.” The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll became
pale to the very lips, and a blackness came about his eyes.” (pg. 13) Here I can see that
this was the first time Jekyll had been confronted about his private friend. By his reaction I
could tell that he was frightened that someone knew about the infamous Hyde.
When Hyde was confronted by the lawyer on his way into the little house his first
question was ” how did you know me?” Mr.
Utterson replied ” we have common friends.”
“Common friends!” … .” Who are they?” Mr. Hyde was flushed with anger and surprised
when Utterson replied- Jekyll. Therefore when Utterson brought up the issue of Hyde at
the dinner party, the doctor must have been questioning whether or not there was any
suspicion going on about what he was doing.
There was a point in a conversation about Hyde when Jekyll tried to assure
Utterson that he was okay and Hyde was truly just an associate whom he knew very well.
.”..
I tell you one thing: the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde.” (pg 13) Here
Jekyll does the same thing that a drug addict would do if confronted about his addiction-
assure that he could stop at any time. However, just like most addicts he had no idea how
far he had gone with his experiment and still believed that he was still in control.
As the story progressed and more information was revealed about Mr. Hyde,
Jekyll’s addiction grew stronger and his friend’s concerns could not stop him.
There was a
point in the story when Hyde had committed a murder and Jekyll got really concerned
about what was happening to him. The police was looking for Hyde and the entire town
knew about this gruesome character. Jekyll felt that it was probably at his best interest if
he discontinued his experiment for a while. .”..
but Mr. Hyde had disappeared out of the
ken of the police as though he never existed.” At this point Jekyll decided to try to go
back to living a normal life .”.. a new life began for Dr. Jekyll. He came out of his
seclusion, renewed relations with his friends, became once more their familiar guest and
entertainer;” .
(pg 22)
Just as an addict would go through a period of enlightenment, where they would
really try to get rid of their addiction and do good, is what Jekyll did. He resumed life as
though nothing happened and did extra as if to make up for time loss. However, this
would not last long because with every addiction there is a period of withdrawal and there
will come a time when the addict comes face to face with his addiction once more.
Jekyll came face to face with his problem once again and could not overcome it.
He has an argument with Lanyon and requested that he left him alone and never return to his house.
Lanyon in total disarray rushes home and writes the doctor immediately, asking
what was the reason for his request. This was Jekyll’s reply; ” I mean from henceforth to
lead a life of extreme seclusion; you must not be surprised, nor must you doubt my
friendship, if my door is often shut to even you. You must suffer me to go my own dark
way. I have brought on myself a punishment and a danger that I cannot name.” Jekyll had
accepted that he had a problem and knew that even his friend could not help him. Thus he
returned to taking the potion.
As is the end of all drug addictions if they are not stopped, death is what finally
ended Jekyll’s addiction and no matter how much his friend’s wanted to help him, they
could not.
When you have a loved one who has an addiction it is painful for you to see
them go through the addiction, but for some it is more painful to see them without the
drug. Jekyll requested of his friends numerous times, not to say or do anything. Being true
and loyal friends Lanyon and Utterson did as he requested. I don’t believe that they would
have been strong enough to try to stop him, and when they did it was already too late.
” It is useless, and the time awfully fails me, to prolong this description; no one has
ever suffered such torments, let that suffice; and yet even to these, habit brought- no
alleviation- but a certain callousness of soul…
my punishment might have gone on for
years, but for the last calamity which has now befallen, and which has finally severed me
from my own face and nature.” Here Jekyll sees that he is at the end and there is no
turning back from his addiction. He knows that his experiment has gone too far and has
accepted that it may be the death of him, or it is better if he dies now. ” Here, then, as I lay
down the pen, and proceed to seal up my confession I bring the life of that unhappy Henry
Jekyll to an end.” (pg 54) His friends had no chance of trying to save him at this point and hopelessly he dies.