Dr. Jekyll is viewed as almost the complete opposite of Mr. Hyde in his secondary description. Dr. Jekyll is described by the narrator of the novella, but is viewed through Mr. Utterson and Dr. Lanyon. During the beginning of the description, Dr. Jekyll is seen as someone who is kind, caring and overall at peace with himself. However, as the description goes on, there is a point where he undergoes a massive change. He hydes (Get it?... I'm so sorry) himself in his room, and is seen to live vicariously through the dying Dr. Lanyon, who looks like he is about to die, with pale skin, a gaunt face, and an older, terrified aura about him. Dr. Jekyll's description is in a conflicting light with a sudden switch between positive and negative lights. This description of Dr. Jekyll shows the mysterious circumstances surrounding Dr. Jekyll, especially in the latter part of the description, and it shows the actions going on around him, such as Dr. Lanyon's demise. This description is reflects the confusion in Mr. Utterson, and it affects the terror seen in Dr. Lanyon.
This particular two voice poem is reflecting on Mr. Hyde's first appearance, which is overall vague and detestable. It is also reflecting on Dr. Jekyll's at once calm, but now terrified and confined nature.
Dr. Jekyll
I am Dr. Jekyll
There is this darkness inside
This darkness is unsettling
No matter, there will be only one.
I fear he is controlling my mind
He is strong, but he won’t survive
He will not win!
I will fight!
I will not lose
It has already begun
I will make this end
He will not kill me!
London will not know of Mr. Hyde
No! He will lose
Hyde will not win
Goodbye Mr, Hyde!
No!
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Mr. Hyde
I am Mr. Hyde
There is this brightness inside
This light will be crushed
No matter, there will be only one.
I am gaining control in the mind
He is weak, and he will die
He will not win!
He will lose
I will win
It has already begun
I will forever live on
He will not kill me!
London will fear the name Mr. Hyde
I am already winning
It’s the end for Jekyll
Goodbye Dr. Jekyll!
Yes!
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I really enjoyed how you made the two poems seem like a conversation or argument between the two personalities. I think this really highlights the contemplative nature of human beings and how internally we are always trying to find a sense of mediation with our actions. We are always trying to balance out the bad and the good things we do and I think that this is demonstrated throughout the entirety of the novella and emphasized through your two poems. I also found it interesting that there was mysteriousness in Dr. Jekyll from the very beginning of the novella; he wasn't exactly the perfect man from even the very start. It's cool to see how maybe the presence of Hyde, his alternate personality, was able to even change Jekyll as a person.
ReplyDeleteRachel! I loved you post and your poem! In your description of the two characters in the beginning, I really liked how you brought in the aspect of the vagueness of Hyde's describing characteristics, and also that you mentioned that Enfield is the first one that describes Hyde. In your analysis of Jekyll, I really liked how you talked about the light and the dark in Jekyll's description, even though he's supposed to only be the light..... also I liked the pun (totally haven't heard that one before). Your poem rocked and really highlighted their characters individually and their contrasting personalities. Nice!
ReplyDeleteHey queen. First of all, I want to say that I died at the part "yes! no!" in your poem. I liked how you analyzed the change in Dr. Jekyll's voice. I think this shows a little of Hyde in him, without him even knowing. Another part of your analysis that I thought was pretty solid, was your explanation of how characters are described through other characters' eyes. I think it's also interesting how someone that Mr. Utterson respeects so much, Dr. Jekyll, he can also despise, Mr. Hyde. Overall, really good post.
ReplyDeleterespects* hahaha
DeleteThis is a great post because for the Hyde excerpt you went deeper than the reflection on Hyde and discussed the reflection of Einfeld, and why he might have given such a negative description. I never would have thought of that, it's a really cool perspective to view the story from! and I like how your poem incorporated both unison lines and contrasting lines to show that Jekyll and Hyde are two sides of the same person. Great job!!
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