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.