Mary Hyde

Mary Hyde is a fictional character created by author Robert Louis Stevenson as the female persona of Henry Jekyll in his 1886 novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. While not explicitly named "Mary Hyde" within the original text, the concept arises from modern adaptations, fan theories, and reinterpretations of the novella's themes.

The core idea behind Mary Hyde is to explore a female embodiment of the duality and repressed desires that Jekyll unleashes through his transformation into Hyde. By envisioning Hyde as a woman, explorations often delve into societal expectations of women in Victorian England, particularly regarding sexuality, aggression, and social decorum. The concept allows for further examination of the contrast between outward respectability and hidden, darker impulses.

In adaptations and reinterpretations featuring Mary Hyde, she is typically portrayed as possessing the same malevolent and immoral characteristics as the original Hyde. However, the female form adds additional layers of complexity, often emphasizing themes of gender roles, societal constraints, and the potential for women to express a darker side, even when suppressed by the expectations of the era.

While "Mary Hyde" is not canonical to Stevenson's original work, the character serves as a powerful lens for examining the novella's themes through a contemporary feminist perspective. It provides a framework for discussions on the fluidity of identity, the suppression of female agency, and the consequences of societal expectations on individual expression. The concept has gained traction in various media, including stage productions, films, and literature, offering fresh interpretations of a classic story.