Analysis of Form, Structure, and Language in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Flashcards covering form, structure, and language analysis of Robert Louis Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, based on the provided lecture notes.

What does analyzing 'language' involve?

Analyzing language involves looking at the words a writer chooses, why they were chosen, their impact on the reader, and any language devices used like metaphor, imagery, or alliteration.

What specific form and genre features does Stevenson use in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?

Stevenson uses the novel form, features of the Gothic genre, and different first-person perspectives.

How is the Gothic genre characterized in the text?

A literary genre from the 18th century describing a sinister, grotesque, or mysterious atmosphere, often set in dark places or ruined buildings.

What does the choice of London as the setting suggest to the characters in the novel?

It suggests that the rapidly changing city was becoming a strange and frightening place to some of its inhabitants.

Which three characters provide the first-person narratives in the novel?

Utterson, Dr Lanyon, and Henry Jekyll.

How many chapters is Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde split into?

Ten chapters.

According to the chapter titles, during which chapters does tension peak and when does it lessen?

Tension peaks during chapters 4-8 and lessens from chapter 9 onwards as the narrative is resolved.

What is the effect of the phrase 'he said' in Dr Lanyon's narrative structure?

It breaks up the narrative and adds impact to the fact that he 'shall never recover,' highlighting Lanyon's negative state of mind.

What does the simple sentence 'It is question of weeks' highlight about Dr Lanyon?

It highlights his trauma.

What do the past tense verbs 'liked' and 'used' imply about Dr Lanyon's current state?

They highlight his recent change in heart and how he now dislikes life due to what he has seen.

Which simile does Stevenson use to describe Mr Hyde and what is its purpose?

Stevenson describes Hyde as 'really like Satan' to directly compare his behavior to Satan's, showing he is an abominable human being without a conscience.

How does Stevenson use personification to describe the laboratory building?

He describes the building as 'thrust forward its gable on the street,' making the building seem intimidating, aggressive, and sinister.

What does the imagery of the 'splintered half' of the stick in the gutter depict?

It depicts the brutality of the murder and how the weapon was left as if it didn't matter.

What does the word 'insensate' reveal about Hyde's character during the murder of Carew?

It shows 'how emotionless Hyde was while murdering another human being.'

What image is created by the powerful verb 'mangled' when describing Carew's body?

It creates an image of a dead, unidentifiable body that has suffered a cruel, violent death.

What onomatopoeic word describes the sound of Hyde's brutality?

'Trampling,' which describes the sound of someone stamping.

In the analysis of the building Enfield saw, what does the adjective 'sinister' highlight?

It highlights that the building is evil and has some cruel purpose in the narrative.

What human feature does Stevenson link to the house to make it more intimidating?

He describes the upper storey as having a 'blind forehead.'

What technique is used in the phrase 'prolonged and sordid negligence'?

Stevenson uses imagery and exaggeration to emphasize how neglected the building is.