What is the narrative style of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?

The Unreliable Lens: Narrative Style in Stevenson’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde isn’t simply a gothic horror story; it’s a masterclass in narrative manipulation. While ostensibly employing a third-person limited perspective, primarily through the eyes of Mr. Utterson, the novel subtly undermines the reliability of its narrator, creating a chilling ambiguity that mirrors the story’s central theme of duality. This isn’t a straightforward, objective recounting of events; instead, Stevenson crafts a narrative that actively participates in the mystery, mirroring the gradual unraveling of Jekyll’s secret.

The choice of Utterson as the primary lens is crucial. He is a man of reason and logic, a solicitor deeply invested in maintaining order and social propriety. This immediately establishes a framework through which the monstrous Hyde appears even more unsettling. Utterson’s perceptions, shaped by his Victorian sensibilities and his close friendship with Jekyll, are deliberately limited. We experience the unfolding horror alongside him, sharing his initial confusion, growing suspicion, and eventual, horrifying realization. This gradual unveiling of the truth creates a powerful sense of suspense, effectively mirroring the gradual metamorphosis of Jekyll into Hyde.

However, Stevenson’s genius lies in his subtle subversion of Utterson’s reliability. While presenting Utterson as a seemingly rational observer, the narrative subtly hints at his own limitations. His dogged pursuit of the truth is partly fueled by loyalty and a desire to protect Jekyll’s reputation, clouding his judgment. This inherent bias affects our understanding of events, forcing us to question the very information presented to us. We see Hyde through Utterson’s filtered perspective, a perspective that initially downplays the true extent of his depravity.

Furthermore, the inclusion of other perspectives – Enfield’s anecdotal account of the incident with the young girl, Poole’s desperate plea for assistance, and Jekyll’s own confession – adds layers of complexity to the narrative. These differing viewpoints aren’t simply corroborative; they contribute to a fragmented and unsettling picture, reinforcing the novel’s central ambiguity. Each perspective offers a piece of the puzzle, yet none provides a complete or entirely trustworthy picture.

Therefore, the narrative style of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde transcends the simple classification of “third-person limited.” It’s a carefully constructed web of unreliable narration, filtered perspectives, and withheld information that actively engages the reader in the process of uncovering the truth. This technique mirrors the inherent duality of Jekyll and Hyde themselves, creating a chillingly effective narrative that remains deeply unsettling and endlessly fascinating. The novel’s enduring power lies not just in its gothic elements, but in its masterful manipulation of perspective, leaving the reader to grapple with the unsettling ambiguities long after the final page is turned.