Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader III: Becoming a Doctor (Pure English Version)

Author: Li Zhengshuan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-06-01
Features: The story's protagonist, Dr. Jekyll, is a highly knowledgeable and respected social figure. He is extraordinary, kind-hearted, and admired everywhere. However, deep down in Dr. Jekyll's heart, beneath his dignified exterior, lies an impatient and evil personality eager for 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 terrifying transformation, forcing the doctor to seek release through crime. Later, he invents a chemical substance that, when ingested, causes a change in appearance, making the person short and grotesque. As the physical transformation occurs, the person's moral sense gradually diminishes, ultimately becoming a demonic figure. Whenever Dr. Jekyll is tempted by the desire for pleasure, he takes this drug and transforms into the short and ugly Mr. Hyde. An evil force then takes control of his entire body, driving him out to seek pleasure and commit all sorts of misdeeds. Upon returning home, he takes another dose of the potion and reverts to the respected Dr. Jekyll. This way, he satisfies his evil desires while avoiding any responsibility for the consequences. Dr. Jekyll believes that this allows him to separate his two natures and relieve his 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 discovers that he involuntarily becomes Mr. Hyde, while reverting to his original self requires taking large doses of the drug. In the end, when the drug runs out, 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. Ensign learns the secret from a self-confession left behind by the doctor and tells the whole story.