The term abject has three separate meanings according to  Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary. I find all these definitions fitting as they seem to each describe a different character in The strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The first definition being “sunk to or existing in a low state or condition : very bad or severe”, this referring to Mr. Hyde. This transformation allowing actions that Dr. Jekyll would deem immoral or unrefined. Mr. Hyde is a state in which Dr. Jekyll can release all of his desires that he considers bad or below him.

The second definition states “showing hopelessness or resignation”. This definition applies to Dr. Lanyon. After he learns the truth about Jekyll and Hyde he quite literally gives up on life all together. His life is so intertwined with his work that the resignation from his work that this calls for, forces him to also quit life. The death of Lanyon is truly the embodiment of hopelessness.

The third definition “expressing or offered in a humble and often ingratiating spirit”, which seems to relate to Dr. Jekyll and how he is when he represses Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll is known as a kind man who everyone seems to like. He does not seem to think too much of himself and often acts for the betterment of others. During the period he decides to stop drinking the potion they discuss the fact that Dr. Jekyll has gone back to his charity work, which he used to be more involved in before Hyde.

Work Cited:

“Motif.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/motif.

Stevenson, Robert Louis, 1850-1894. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. London :New English Library, 1974. Print.