28 Interesting Facts about Jekyll and Hyde

Dan April 29, 2023

Jekyll and Hyde is a famous novel by Robert Louis Stevenson, first published in 1886. The story revolves around a respected doctor named Henry Jekyll, who experiments with a potion that transforms him into a monstrous alter ego named Edward Hyde. The novel explores themes of duality, identity, and the human psyche, and has become a classic of Gothic literature.

The character of Jekyll and Hyde has become so iconic that it has entered into popular culture, with references and adaptations appearing in films, TV shows, and other forms of media. The story has also been interpreted in various ways, with some seeing it as an allegory for drug addiction, others as a commentary on Victorian society and its strict moral codes, and still others as a cautionary tale about the dangers of repressed desires.

Despite being over a century old, the story of Jekyll and Hyde continues to captivate audiences today. The enduring appeal of the tale lies in its exploration of the darker aspects of human nature and its ability to provoke deep thought and introspection. Jekyll and Hyde is a masterpiece of Victorian literature that continues to fascinate readers with its exploration of the human psyche and its themes of identity, morality, and the struggle between good and evil.

Robert Louis Stevenson, the author of “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”

Do you want to know more about Jekyll and Hyde? Let’s take a look at these 28 interesting facts about Jekyll and Hyde.

1. The novel was originally written as a “shilling shocker” – a type of sensationalist fiction that was popular in Victorian England.
2. Robert Louis Stevenson wrote the first draft of the novel in just three days.
3. The novel was inspired by a dream that Stevenson had, in which he saw a man change into another person.
4. The name “Hyde” is derived from the Scottish word “hide”, meaning “skin”.
5. The character of Dr. Jekyll was based on several real-life individuals, including the philosopher John Stuart Mill.
6. The novel was a critical and commercial success when it was first published, and it continues to be widely read and studied today.
7. The phrase “Jekyll and Hyde” has become part of the English language, used to describe someone who exhibits contrasting personality traits.
8. The character of Mr. Hyde is often depicted as physically smaller than Dr. Jekyll, to emphasize his monstrous nature.
9. Stevenson wrote a stage adaptation of the novel, which was first performed in Boston in 1887.
10. The novel has been adapted into countless films, TV shows, and stage productions, with actors such as Fredric March, Spencer Tracy, and John Malkovich portraying Jekyll/Hyde.
11. The story has also inspired a range of other works, including songs, comic books, and video games.
12. The novel has been translated into over 100 languages.
13. Jekyll and Hyde has been interpreted in many different ways, with some seeing it as a commentary on Victorian society and others as an exploration of the human psyche.
14. The character of Jekyll/Hyde has been used to represent a range of social issues, including drug addiction and mental illness.
15. The novel has been adapted into several musicals, including a popular 1997 version by Frank Wildhorn.
16. The character of Mr. Hyde has been compared to other famous monsters, such as Frankenstein’s monster and Dracula.
17. Jekyll and Hyde has been cited as an influence on other horror writers, including H.P. Lovecraft and Stephen King.
18. The novel has been adapted into a number of radio plays and audio books.
19. The story has been set in a range of different time periods and locations, including modern-day New York City, New York, and the Victorian-era streets of London.
20. The novel has been analyzed from a variety of literary perspectives, including feminist, Marxist, and psychoanalytic.
21. The character of Mr. Hyde has been compared to other literary villains, such as Iago from Shakespeare’s Othello.
22. The story has been adapted into an animated film by the Japanese director Osamu Tezuka.
23. The novel has been the subject of numerous academic studies and literary analyses.
24. The character of Jekyll/Hyde has been depicted in various forms of artwork, including paintings, sculptures, and illustrations.
25. The story has been adapted into a number of graphic novels and comic books.
26. The novel has been the subject of numerous parodies and satirical works.
27. The character of Mr. Hyde has been portrayed as a sympathetic figure in some adaptations.
28. The novel has been referenced in a range of popular TV shows, including The Simpsons and Doctor Who.

“The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson has remained a classic and enduring tale of the duality of human nature, exploring the dark side that exists within us all. The story of Jekyll and Hyde has inspired countless adaptations, from stage productions to movies, and has been reinterpreted and analyzed by scholars and literary critics for over a century. It continues to captivate readers with its thrilling narrative and complex themes, reminding us of the importance of confronting and accepting the darker aspects of ourselves.