The
Genius theme
The genius, in the sense of faculties of human spirit, is one of the most famous theme for the literary and aesthetics reflection. It is first defined by Platoon and Horace and then during the French Renaissance as a frenzy and a lust for creation. (« furor »). It appeals to imagination rather than judgement.
In Roman mythology, the genius is a copy of the self that everybody has. Geniuses born in the same time as human beings and they dictate their actions to them. They were considered as dreadful powers.
Depreciated during the Classical period, it is enhanced with the Romanticism. At this time, psychologists tried to study it and to rationalise this « sign of fate » which raises some people above the others but condemns them to a deep solitude.
The brilliant person, the genius, is inspired by a supernatural voice and a wonderful and almighty need to create: the furor. This inspiration drive him to produce extraordinary things. He cannot repress such a feeling which could be considered as a deified voice.
Dr. Jekyll can be considered to some extend as a genius: he cannot help him to create Hyde, he is inspired by a vehement need to create. Besides, the Jekyll’s way of creation is not only a certain scientific zeal; it is a real enthusiasm (according to the right etymology theos-asma = god breathe) to solve a human dilemma. This confers on Jekyll the dimension of the genius.
(It is possible to deal with an other theme and to compare the image of the genius with the myth of the crazy scientist which could be appropriated to the Victorian age.
Plus de résumés à propos de the stange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde