A comparison of Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hide with a short description of the story. Also a description of two minor characters.

Essay by Kaientai9High School, 11th gradeA+, April 2003

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Pulitano 1

Drew Pulitano

Mrs. Novellino

English 3

2 March 2003

Dr. Jekyll, an erudite doctor and scientist creates a drug, which releases the wicked and evil side of his personality. As a result, he turns into Mr. Hyde, who commits crimes without any feeling of compassion or remorse. In time, Jekyll and Hyde are revealed to be a single individual. Mr. Hyde eventually tries to take complete control of Dr. Jekyll. In the end, Jekyll can no longer prevent himself from turning into Hyde, who commits suicide when he realizes he is about to be trapped by Jekyll. Dr. Jekyll's scientific discovery ultimately leads to his tragic death.

Dr. Jekyll, the main character, appears to suffer from schizophrenia which results in him believing that Mr. Hyde is another separate person. Schizophrenia is a chronic, severe, and disabling brain disease. Approximately 1 percent of the population develops schizophrenia during their lifetime - more than 2 million Americans suffer from the illness in a given year.

People with schizophrenia often suffer terrifying symptoms such as hearing internal voices not heard by others, or believing that other people are reading their minds, controlling their thoughts, or plotting to harm them. These symptoms may leave them fearful and withdrawn. Their speech and behavior can be so disorganized that they may be incomprehensible or frightening to others.

Dr. Jekyll is a very wealthy, middle-aged doctor and scientist or chemist. Throughout the story, he is described as being tall, dark, and handsome as well as a very respected and proper member of society. His wealth totals about two million doctors, which is an enormous sum in the Victorian 19th century. On account of his wealth, he

Pulitano 2

Drew Pulitano

Mrs. Novellino

English 3

2 March 2003

lives comfortably in a grand house with a...