This is a comparative literature question I believe. Often
when we read one novel, its fictional elements are reminiscent of other novels. This
means that the plots, characters, theme, symbols and even writing style remind us of
other works we have read and can enrich the experience of reading the current work. In
the study of literature, we are always comparing and contrasting. English teachers love
to assign such writing tasks as "compare the character of Mr. Hyde to Frankenstein's
monster," for example. In this way, we as readers can appreciate how different authors
treat the same themes or grapple with the same
conflicts.
In comparing Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
to Frankenstein, many comparisons can be made because
Dr. Jekyll created his own monster, just as Frankenstein did, only Dr. Jekyll's monster
was himself, the evil side of himself. Both "monsters" - whether they were separate
characters such as Frankenstein's monster or a different side of the same person, as
with Mr. Hyde -- symbolized man's inner conflict with good and evil. Wherever you find
this conflict in literature, you can make a similar comparison. For example, in the
novel Lord of the Flies - you could compare Ralph and Jack. In this
novel, Jack is the Mr. Hyde or Frankenstein monster. Or, perhaps you could make a
comparison between Frankenstein and Macbeth. Frankenstein's quest to make himself
something important in the world of science led to tragedy. Macbeth's quest to make
himself king led to tragedy.
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