Exploring the Motivations Behind Societal Destruction in Major Gothic Novels: A Comparative Analysis of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Dracula, and Frankenstein

Abstract

This article investigates the motivations behind societal destruction as illustrated in three major Gothic novels: *Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde* by Robert Louis Stevenson, *Dracula* by Bram Stoker, and *Frankenstein* by Mary Shelley. Applying a comparative analysis, the paper studies how each narrative mirrors the concerns of its era, representing deep-seated fears related to identity, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition. In *Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde*, the duality of human nature is used as a metaphor for societal decay, while *Dracula* exhibits Victorian fears of invasion and the 'Other.' On the other hand, *Frankenstein* criticizes the ethical implications of scientific progress and its potential to destroy social order. By analyzing these texts, this article highlights common themes of alienation, ethical neglect, and existential dread, finally contending that these Gothic narratives not only reflect historical concerns but also resonate with contemporary issues regarding technological progress and moral responsibility.