The figure known as Sawbones in the context of Jekyll and Hyde is a character often associated with the darker, more sinister elements of the story’s medical and scientific themes. While not always explicitly named in the original novel ‘Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ by Robert Louis Stevenson, Sawbones is a colloquial term historically used for a surgeon or doctor, sometimes depicted as a shadowy or morally ambiguous figure. In adaptations, this character or nickname can embody the medical experimentation and ethical dilemmas surrounding the transformation between Dr. Jekyll and his alter ego, Mr. Hyde. Exploring who Sawbones is in Jekyll and Hyde sheds light on the broader themes of science, morality, and the duality of human nature.
The Origin of the Term Sawbones
Before diving into the character’s role in Jekyll and Hyde, it’s important to understand the meaning of the term Sawbones. This nickname originated in the 19th century and earlier as a somewhat humorous or derogatory reference to surgeons. The term derives from the time when surgery was primarily about amputations and crude operations involving saws and other manual instruments. Surgeons were often viewed with a mix of fear and respect, given the brutal nature of their work prior to advances in anesthesia and antiseptics.
In literature and popular culture, Sawbones has come to symbolize the archetype of a medical practitioner who is either callous or obsessed with experimentation. The term’s gritty connotation fits well with stories that explore the darker side of medicine and human anatomy, such as Jekyll and Hyde.
Sawbones in the Jekyll and Hyde Narrative
While the original novella by Robert Louis Stevenson does not explicitly feature a character named Sawbones, many theatrical, film, and television adaptations have introduced or referred to such a figure. This character often represents the scientific and surgical side of Dr. Jekyll’s experiments. Sometimes, Sawbones is portrayed as an assistant, an opposing force, or a symbolic representation of the medical hubris that leads to Jekyll’s tragic downfall.
Medical Experimentation and Ethical Boundaries
Dr. Henry Jekyll’s journey into the duality of man is centered around his scientific experiments aiming to separate the good and evil aspects of the human personality. In this context, Sawbones embodies the dangerous and reckless side of medical experimentation. The term evokes imagery of crude surgery, physical transformation, and a willingness to cross ethical lines in the name of science. Sawbones, as a figure, highlights the horror of tampering with nature and the consequences of unchecked scientific curiosity.
Symbolism and Themes
- Duality of Man: Sawbones represents the fine line between healing and harm, much like Dr. Jekyll himself, who struggles between his benevolent persona and his darker alter ego, Mr. Hyde.
- Medical Hubris: The character symbolizes the arrogance of scientists who believe they can control or manipulate fundamental human nature without repercussions.
- Fear of Transformation: Sawbones personifies society’s fear of the physical and moral transformation that results from scientific meddling.
Adaptations and Portrayals of Sawbones
Across various adaptations of the Jekyll and Hyde story, the character of Sawbones has been given different interpretations, reflecting the changing attitudes toward science and medicine.
Theatrical and Film Versions
In some stage adaptations, Sawbones appears as a grizzled surgeon or a dubious medical practitioner who either aids or warns Dr. Jekyll. This role adds dramatic tension and often provides a grounded, cynical perspective on Jekyll’s grand ambitions. Films sometimes depict Sawbones as a sinister figure whose involvement underscores the gruesome reality behind the fantastical transformations.
Modern Interpretations
Contemporary retellings and expansions of the story might use Sawbones as a metaphorical or narrative device rather than a literal character. For example, the role can be split among several minor characters who embody the medical and scientific community’s ethical concerns. In graphic novels or TV series inspired by Jekyll and Hyde, Sawbones might be a recurring figure representing the costs of scientific obsession.
The Role of Sawbones in the Broader Jekyll and Hyde Mythos
Sawbones, whether as a named character or an archetype, enriches the Jekyll and Hyde mythos by emphasizing the physical and psychological costs of tampering with human nature. His presence reminds audiences that the pursuit of knowledge, especially in medical science, can be fraught with danger when divorced from moral responsibility.
Ethical Implications in Science
The story of Jekyll and Hyde serves as an early exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by scientists and doctors. Sawbones as a character underscores these issues by embodying the risks of dehumanizing patients or subjects in the name of progress. This tension remains relevant today, as debates continue over genetic engineering, pharmaceuticals, and the limits of scientific intervention.
Psychological and Physical Duality
Sawbones also highlights the transformation from physical and mental perspectives. While Jekyll’s internal conflict deals with personality and morality, Sawbones symbolizes the physical alteration the surgical or chemical changes that make this internal battle manifest externally. This connection deepens the story’s exploration of dual identities and the fragility of human nature.
Sawbones in Jekyll and Hyde, though not a central figure in the original text, represents a crucial thematic element linked to medical science, experimentation, and ethical boundaries. The character or archetype brings to life the fears and consequences of tampering with the human condition, both physically and morally. By understanding Sawbones’ role, readers and audiences gain deeper insight into the complex relationship between science and humanity portrayed in the Jekyll and Hyde narrative. The character serves as a powerful reminder that behind every scientific breakthrough lies the responsibility to consider the impact on the soul as well as the body.