As a poet and an aspiring novelist I have been neglecting all my blogs a little, especially this one. Funny how when we’re busy we often cut out some of the things we are more passionate about in favour of other more pressing concerns. Even when I do have time after preparing class or working on my novel I get stuck often lazing about watching Netflix but I guess the time we have to switch off is just as important. Anyway I digress, I read this short story almost a year ago  and couldn’t believe I hadn’t heard of it so thought it was a good opportunity to get back in the game.

Not one of Robert Luis Stevenson’s well known or popular works “Olalla” lacks the rollicking sense of adventure found in “Treasure Island” or “Kidnapped” but has a similar element of suspense to “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”. The advantage of “Olalla” however is that due to obscurity the plot is not common knowledge and Stevenson’s craft is still able to weave its magic to full effect.

Written in a traditional Gothic style the narrative is descriptive and makes regular references to the effect of the surrounding environment on the narrator’s frame of mind.  In addition, the story focuses on the decaying noble family which the Scotsman is convulsing with as he recovers from his injuries. This degeneration is not only depicted in his description of the family home as an “antique and dilapidated mansion” but also his conclusion that Felipe has a “simplicity of disposition” and implores “childlike devices” to get the Scotsman’s attention. Finally, the major development of the plot which follows the Scotsman’s romance with Olalla which is threatened by a mysterious threat that is reminiscent of the early gothic from the likes of Ann Radcliff. In many ways, this is what separates “Olalla” from “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” as it is far more traditional both structurally as it is a straight forward narrative and lacks the uniqueness of Stevenson’s more popular work.

Yet, to discount “Olalla” as a through back to an older style of Gothic fiction would be as unjust as labelling it a vampire story. Firstly, Stevenson’s monster originates from within the family rather than an outside force. In this case the main protagonist is in fact the outsider and in a way, represents a threat to the family. Ultimately, this has more in common with modern gothic texts and represents a point of progression within the genre. The other key aspect of the text is that despite the clear reference to vampirism there is no other indication that the monster is in fact a vampire. Perhaps this maybe Stevenson’s attempt to differentiate his work from other gothic texts. However, the references he makes throughout the text to the degeneration of the family suggest that it is not a supernatural threat but a more animalistic human. The idea of the beast within is obviously key to “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” but in “Olalla” it is explored in a different way, instead of a chemical formula to bring out the inner monster it is revealed through generations of inbreeding. Stevenson’s reinforces this reading through his characterisation of both the mother and Felipe as uncivilised suggesting that they have devolved and begun to give into humanities monstrous nature as a result.

“Olalla” is in no way a seminal text in the Gothic genre nor does it even approach Stevenson’s best work but it is never the less a rewarding read. In some ways, it might just be perfect for someone getting into the gothic genre.