Archetypes

The novel, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, is one shown through an archetypal lens. For starters, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde demonstrate the villain/hero archetype. Dr. Jekyll is the nice hero who will do anything for anyone. Mr. Hyde is a dwarfish, evil villain that doesn't care about anyone or anything. These two contrasting characters are different, but the difference is choice. Jekyll chose to take the potion which would unleash the worst and vice versa. Also, Henry Jekyll is a seeker. He chose to go out on a journey to try and discover himself in a new light. Poole is Jekyll's caregiver. He looks out for him and worries when he isn't showing up anymore, esp. when Hyde was in his place. He runs errands for him and does whatever is asked. All these archetypes add to the better comprehension of this calssic.