"If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also." 
 An expertly crafted and mercifully to-the-point classic. While subtlety may not be Stevenson's approach in this gothic exploration of the human psyche, neither is it called for by such a tale. The author's purpose is to unabashedly illustrate the duality of man. To this end, we are introduced to an upstanding and generally well-liked Victorian chemist named Dr. Jekyll--whose attempt to separate his natures results in a devastatingly infamous case of split personality. 
 "Jekyll had more than a father's interest; Hyde had more than a son's indifference." 
 Of course it's no spoiler to know ahead of time (thanks to its cultural impact) that Jekyll and Hyde inhabit the same man. But what struck me as most fascinating and resonant was the realization that Jekyll didn't despise the amoral part of himself. While he abhorred its behavior, he was ultimately more protective of it than anything--wishing to let it run free. The complacency and indulgence of an otherwise "good" man then becomes his tragic downfall. 
 "I sat in the sun on a bench; the animal within me licking the chops of memory; the spiritual side a little drowsed, promising subsequent penitence, but not yet moved to begin." 
 The prose is rich, lurid, and visceral. Stevenson manages to take the time for masterful storytelling and appealing flow without wasting words. (I could scarcely believe this was the same man who wrote Treasure Island.) 
 Though it was written in the late 1800's, the premise is timeless and universal to the human experience. Every culture on earth has grappled with the concepts of good and evil. Countless proverbs from nearly every faith address this issue, and advise its handling. It is what modern psychology would refer to as the 'Id' and those adhering to Christianity would term the 'sin nature.' It is every person's adversary--every self-aware creature's battle. 
 We are our own worst enemy. 
 If I had one complaint, it would be that the story seemed to end too abruptly. I would have happily steeped in more of this introspective eeriness.