.3：English Learning Reader

Author: Li Zhengshuan et al. (Editor-in-Chief)
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The protagonist, Dr. Jekyll, is a highly knowledgeable and respected social figure. He is extraordinary in ability and kind-hearted, admired everywhere he goes. However, deep down in Dr. Jekyll's heart, beneath his dignified exterior, lies an impatient and evil nature that craves pleasure. To maintain a false sense of solemnity in front of others, he must constantly hide and suppress his ugly desires for enjoyment. Over time, he becomes a person with a dual personality. This suppressed desire eventually leads to horrifying transformation, forcing the doctor to seek release through crime. Later, he invents a chemical substance that, when ingested, causes a physical change, making the person short and grotesque. As the body changes, the moral sense also deteriorates, ultimately transforming the person into a demonic figure. Whenever Dr. Jekyll is tempted by the desire for pleasure, he takes this drug, turning into the short and ugly Mr. Hyde, where an evil force takes control of his entire body, driving him out to seek pleasure and commit misdeeds. Upon returning home, he takes another dose and reverts to the respected Dr. Jekyll. This way, he satisfies his evil desires while avoiding any responsibility for the consequences. Dr. Jekyll believes this allows him to separate his two natures and free himself from spiritual suffering. However, human nature cannot remain so divided for long, and this self-deceptive method is bound to fail. Indeed, the good times did not last long. The transformations gradually lose control, and Dr. Jekyll finds himself involuntarily turning into Mr. Hyde, while reverting to his original self requires taking large doses of the drug. In the end, with the drug exhausted, the doctor realizes he can no longer return to his former self and can only remain as the guilt-ridden Mr. Hyde in the world. Therefore, before the truth comes to light, Dr. Jekyll, out of remorse and fear of punishment, takes poison and commits suicide. Later, his friend Mr. Enright discovers the secret from a self-confession left behind by the doctor and tells the readers the whole story.