Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is another classic science fiction tale that I hadn't read in several years. Dr. Jekyll recognizing both the good and the evil within himself sets out to attempt to divide the two natures so that he can be either completely good or completely bad. He manages to create a completely bad persona, which he calls Mr. Hyde that looks completely different from himself and through whom he can indulge in all the sordid adventures that he wishes without the restraint of his conscience. His lawyer Mr. Utterson becomes concerned about the presence of the dubious character in the home of his good friend and the fact that Dr. Jekyll's will leaves his entire estate to Mr. Hyde. When Mr. Hyde murders a distinguished gentleman on the street, the doctor claims that he is done with Mr. Hyde for good and that he is gone. Then the doctor becomes ill and locks himself away in his laboratory. When the servants become alarmed, they call Mr. Utterson for assistance. Together they break into the laboratory to confront Mr. Hyde and search for Dr. Jekyll. Inside they find the body of Hyde and a letter from the doctor, which reveals the nature of his experiment and the unforeseen problems that he encountered in the end.
A classic tale of science fiction The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is definitely a must read. I enjoyed reading it again and having a corresponding discussion with my 14yo on Stevenson worldview and his view of the nature of man. I'd recommend it for 14 and up.
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