CHAPTER 3 - ATEASE

Jekyll’s Physical Description

"large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast perhaps." This first look at Jekyll suggests a man who is "reputable" but possesses a subtle, hidden complexity or "slyness."

The Hosts' Preference for Utterson

"Hosts loved to detain the dry lawyer... sobering their minds in the man's rich silence after the expense and strain of gaiety." This explains why Jekyll and others valued Utterson's presence—he provided a stable, "unobtrusive" contrast to Victorian social pressure.

The "Hide-bound" Criticism

"that hide-bound pedant, Lanyon—an ignorant, blatant pedant." Jekyll expresses his deep "disappointment" in Lanyon for refusing to accept his "scientific heresies" or "transcendental" medical ideas.

The Physical Pallor at Hyde's Name

"The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale to the very lips, and there came a blackness about his eyes." Jekyll’s visceral reaction to Utterson mentioning "young Hyde" betrays his deep "feverish" anxiety.

The "Painfully Situated" Doctor

"I am painfully situated, Utterson

The Control Delusion

"the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde." Jekyll gives Utterson his "hand upon that" promise, which serves as a tragic piece of dramatic irony for the rest of the novel.

Jekyll’s Plea for Hyde’s Future

"if I am taken away, Utterson, I wish you to promise me that you will bear with him and get his rights for him." Jekyll asks for "justice" for Hyde, showing a "more than a father's interest" in his darker half's survival.

Utterson’s Reluctant Promise

"Utterson heaved an irrepressible sigh. 'Well,' said he, 'I promise.'" This marks the moment Utterson becomes legally and morally bound to a situation he finds "abominable."

The "Incoherent" Manner

"returned the doctor, with a certain incoherency of manner." This describes Jekyll’s speech when he is forced to talk about Hyde, signaling that he is losing his "reputable" composure.

Jekyll’s Interest in Hyde

"I do sincerely take a great, a very great interest in that young man." Jekyll tries to frame his connection to Hyde as a personal "preference," though the reader later learns they are the same person.