League of Extraordinary Gentlemen 2

In this post, I wanted to expand on one of the characters in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.  I have found that Jeykll and his corresponding alter ego Hyde seen to have more depth as characters than I saw on my initial reading. Jeykll is an unusually timid and nervous man in the midst of a group of headstrong people, yet he is also one of the more important. This importance comes not only from his rage monster transformation abilities, but also that he appears to be Mina's most trusted "friend" (if Mina considers herself to have friends). She seeks his opinion at least once in the novel, and it is to him that she is able to voice her frustrations and inner concerns about the group (especially about Mr. Quartermain). In this capacity, Jeykll acts as a mediator between the members. He is able to voice his objective opinions and is respected for his insight. Of course, Jeykll's second contribution to the League comes from Hyde, who represents everything Jeykll is not. Hyde tends to disregard consequences or rational thought in favor of violence and brute strength. In this way he helps the group survive the numerous enemies they face on their mission. Yet just as Jeykll seems to have a special connection to Mina, so does Hyde in his own way. When Hyde comes alive, the only thing guiding and restraining him at times seems to be Mina. She has the power to provoke him, yet the fearlessness and ability to order him around. More interestingly, we can see a definite evolution in Hyde, from his out of control state the night when he tried to harm Mina disguised as a prostitute (the beginning of their "relationship"), to the final Hyde that is fighting on the League's side for a common objective.