Fear of the Unknown

This month, we discussed The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. During the socratic seminar, we discussed number 5, but I would like to analyze it further. The questions is as follows: What is the significance of the fact that no one can describe exactly what Hyde looks like? Most of us agreed that Hyde appears to be more dangerous and menacing because there is a mysterious and unidentifiable aspect to his character. However, we must ask ourselves - Why does the unknown create fear in us?

Think about what would be the effect on the reader if Hyde was definitively ugly or repulsive. By having a distinct appearance, Hyde would become easier to relate to or make a connection with. However, by being indescribable, Hyde becomes an ominous figure that creates a sense of suspense throughout the story. The fact that the reader cannot completely understand or picture Hyde is uncomfortable for the reader, which makes Hyde even more undesirable.

This technique is used in many suspense/horror movies. By keeping the audience ignorant of the "horror's" appearance, the suspense grows. In the movie Cloverfield, the "horror," an enormous, alien creature wrecks havoc on New York City, but the viewer does not get a clear picture of the creature until very late into the film. This increases the "scare factor" because of the "threat" of the unknown. There are so many instances where the unknown strikes fear into people. In religion, for example, the "unknown God" is very overwhelming for some. This mysterious God can be very frightening to some people. The fact is that humans want knowledge. When they cannot attain it, the result can be fear, just like it is in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

It's Relative

Superiority - defined as "greater in quality, quantity, etc." by the World English Dictionary. This word has floated throughout the history of mankind, leaving ugly, distinctive marks. There are countless examples of individuals, groups, etc. claiming to be superior over another. Yet, what exactly makes one superior to another? Is it beauty? Money? Success? Youth? What? The fact is that it is all of those things! However, the undeniable truth is that these things are all false powers in the sense of superiorty. Superiority is relative. This means that it only exists within the confines of those who believe it. What one may think is beautiful may be indescribably repulsive to another. The instant someone else disagrees with the "superior," the "superior" loses a fraction of power.

In Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray, Dorian becomes corrupted and bases his life on the importance of his youth. Desiring eternal youth, Dorian Gray ultimately dooms himself. While his youth may make him feel superior, it is actually relative. In this case, his youth can only carry him so far - his lack of moral character gradually destroys him. Basil, originally seeing Dorian as pure, notes his corruption, thus deteriorating his view of Dorian. The fact is, what makes you feel superior will always have consequences (large or small). We are all human...no one is above the other..."deep down under our skins, there is flesh and blood! For we're all brothers!" - How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

The idea of superiority being correlated with wickedness is common throughout not only literature, but all sorts of media. It is a theme that has been carried through the years and is present even today because it is universal. First, pick any Disney movie - The Lion King, for example. Of course there is a villain - Scar. Let me say first: What did the mother think was going to happen when she named her cubs Scar and Mufasa? Obviously, one was going to grow up to be evil (credit to Jenna Marbles for this thought). The reason Scar is so evil and meets his demise is that he believes he is superior to all others...coincidence? I think not! This corrupted thought clouds his vision, makes the audience hate him, and ultimately dethrones him. This cycle of superiority is quite common in all aspects of life. Sadly, in many instances, the "superior" individual or group does not fall from power as easily or quickly as in a Disney animated feature (example: men acting superior to women).

The Nonexistent Existence of the "Modern Woman"

The treatment of women changes from society to society and culture to culture, as well as time period to time period. Only until recently did the idea of equality between the sexes arise in the modern world. Especially in the current day United States, the power of women easily surpasses that of those 60 years ago in the same country and those in completely different cultures, like those in Middle Eastern nations. Before this "modern woman" there was and still exists today in multiple places the "subservient woman." This woman may be subordinate to God or society, but almost always is subordinate to man. Yet, I do not believe that man is completely responsible for this kind of woman. Of course it does not help that man endorses the "subservient woman," but the society and culture in which this woman exists is the most at blame. Society creates the "subservient woman," while man supports it, AND the women do not find the willpower  or resources to fight back. This vicious circle prevents any sort of progress towards the "modern woman" like the woman of American culture.

In Kate Chopin's The Awakening, the protagonist, Edna, serves as an example of the hopelessness of feminist progress during that time period. Edna's foil, Adele, serves as an example of that society's "subservient woman," one who is valued for her ability as a mother and wife. These spheres (mother and wife) were the only options for a "normal" woman of that time. Any idea of equality or even the persuing of other paths than motherhood and being a wife was scorned and attacked. Yet, even today in a society of "modern women," we have difficulty appreciating Edna's attempt to better herself because of the fact that she abandoned her children. The connection between mother and child has remained the same in most societies. Therefore, we must question: "Can the 'modern woman' truly exist if this connection exists in our society?"

If society says this connection between woman and child exists, then women of that society can not even hope for true equality. We see this even in our society in the form of scorn for unsuccessful mothers. There is a double standard between men and woman that exists because women have this connection with a child that the man cannot achieve since he cannot give birth. Then, due to conformity, this double standard will remain for the majority of people. The 'modern woman' cannot truly exist because, according to society, there will always be a connection between mother and child that links her to motherhood. While American society may boast its progressive women, there is no true way to compare women to men. Equality is relative and until society learns to view women and men in separately lights, women will unfortunately always be compared to men based on his standards, not hers.

This issue of gender roles, independence, and conformity is prevalent in modern media. For example, Lady Gaga's song "Scheisse" is a creative feminist anthem. While "scheisse" is a German word that can be directly translated into a derogatory term, Lady Gaga uses it as a translation of "persistent complications women face due to their 'place' next to men."

"I wish I could be strong without someone there...I wish I could be strong without the scheisse!"
"Love is objectified by what men say is right."

These two examples of lyrics from the song express the narrator-woman's desire to be able to act without being compared to man in a world where what is deemed "right" is based on man's standards.