Taming Hyde

I watched its musical version twice on Broadway and viewed a movie or two about it. Though I am quite familiar with Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic story Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, I am still very much intrigued by this subject. Deny it as we may like to, we cannot change the fact that in each of us exists an alter ego. Every individual struggles with the good and evil inside.

Recently I encountered a fellow-customer in a shop at the mall who like me, naturally wanted to be attended to. It just so happened that this person came first in line. Unfortunately, she had total disregard for everyone else around and hesitated not to monopolize the time of the lone salesclerk. It soon became apparent that she took pleasure in making us wait and she showed no intention, nor urgency in trying to speed up her lollygagging. One thing led to another and my impatience got the better of me. The Hyde within gave her a piece of my mind and left her with words to ponder about.

The character Mr. Hyde may have been destructive for the most part but it can also be said that he was strong, aggressive, passionate and self-confident. These are traits that when used properly, can be advantageous assets.

We as imperfect humans cannot completely eradicate the “Hyde” in us. The challenge I guess is simply in taming it.