Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson – Audiobook

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a dark and thrilling novella that dives deep into the duality of human nature. Written by Robert Louis Stevenson and first published in 1886, this classic gothic tale explores the idea that within each person resides both good and evil, separated by a fragile boundary. This audiobook adaptation captures the chilling atmosphere, philosophical depth, and psychological suspense that have made this story an enduring masterpiece.

📖 Table of Contents

🔹 About Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Originally titled Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, this novella quickly became a cornerstone of gothic fiction and psychological horror. Set in Victorian London, the story blends science, ethics, and inner conflict in a concise yet profound narrative. Robert Louis Stevenson’s powerful prose keeps the reader on edge, as the mystery unfolds through the eyes of an outside observer.

This story has inspired countless adaptations in film, theater, and literature, and the very names “Jekyll and Hyde” have entered everyday language to describe a dual personality. It is a timeless tale that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with their own darker impulses.

🔹 Detailed Synopsis

The story begins with Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, a lawyer, who becomes concerned about the strange behavior of his friend, Dr. Henry Jekyll. Utterson hears disturbing stories about a mysterious and violent man named Edward Hyde, who is somehow connected to Jekyll and has even been seen using his signature.

As Utterson investigates, the mystery deepens. Hyde is seen committing brutal acts without remorse, while Dr. Jekyll grows increasingly reclusive and erratic. When Hyde is implicated in the murder of a respected member of society, Jekyll assures his friends that Hyde is gone for good. However, it soon becomes clear that Hyde is far from gone—and that Jekyll may be hiding a dark secret.

The shocking truth is revealed through a series of letters and confessions: Dr. Jekyll has created a potion that transforms him into Mr. Hyde, allowing him to indulge his darkest urges without consequence. Over time, Hyde grows stronger, and Jekyll loses control. The story ends in tragedy, as Jekyll realizes he can no longer separate himself from Hyde and chooses to end his own life rather than allow evil to consume him entirely.

🔹 Main Characters

  • Dr. Henry Jekyll: A respected scientist and gentleman, Jekyll is intelligent and kind, but deeply troubled by the duality of human nature.
  • Mr. Edward Hyde: The violent and immoral alter ego of Jekyll, created through scientific experimentation.
  • Mr. Gabriel John Utterson: Jekyll’s loyal lawyer and friend, who serves as the moral center of the story and uncovers the truth.
  • Dr. Hastie Lanyon: A friend of Jekyll’s who witnesses the horrifying transformation and dies of shock.
  • Poole: Jekyll’s loyal servant, who helps Utterson break into Jekyll’s laboratory in the final act.

🔹 Themes and Symbolism

Robert Louis Stevenson explores several complex themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde:

  • ⚖️ Duality of Human Nature: The central theme of the story is the idea that good and evil coexist in every person. Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde is a literal representation of this inner conflict.
  • 🧪 Science and Ethics: Jekyll’s experiments raise ethical questions about the limits of scientific inquiry and the dangers of tampering with the human psyche.
  • 🚪 Secrecy and Repression: Victorian society placed a high value on respectability, often forcing individuals to hide their true selves. Jekyll’s desire to escape this repression leads to his downfall.
  • 🧠 Identity and Control: The story delves into psychological themes of identity, addiction, and the loss of self-control.

The fog-filled streets of London serve as a metaphor for the murky boundaries between good and evil, knowledge and ignorance. Jekyll’s laboratory becomes a symbol of forbidden knowledge and unchecked ambition.

🎧 Listen to the Audiobook

This audiobook version of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde offers an immersive experience with professional narration and high-quality sound. Perfect for fans of gothic fiction, horror, or psychological thrillers, this adaptation captures the dark allure of Stevenson’s classic story.

👉 Choose your favorite platform and begin listening:

Explore the darkness within. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is more than a horror story—it’s a philosophical journey into the human soul. Start listening today and experience the chilling brilliance of one of literature’s most iconic tales.