Bedside Lamp English Learning Reader 3: The Professor's (English-Chinese Contrastive)

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 inside Dr. Jekyll, beneath his dignified exterior, lies an impatient and evil nature 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 compound that, when ingested, causes physical changes, making the person short and repulsive in appearance. As the body changes, 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, transforming into the short and ugly Mr. Hyde. An evil force then takes control of his body, driving him 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 mental torment. However, human nature cannot remain so divided for long, and this self-deceptive method is bound to fail. Indeed, the situation does 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. Eventually, 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 discovers the secret from a self-confession left behind and tells the readers the entire story.