Jekyll and Hyde

“i conceded my pleasures…. I stood committed to a profound duplicity of life.”- chapter 10

reveals the fight Jekyll feels between good V.S evil (common theme in Jekyll and Hyde) and the constant battle between his deep seated ‘pleasures’ that is shameful in Victorian society. Jekyll is conscious about the importance his reputation brings in society and the intellectual conflict between his moral obligations and his real wants and needs.

“large, well-made, smooth faced…every mark of capacity and kindness.”- chapter 3

the adjectives “well made” and “smooth faced” creates a sense of a porcelain doll or a wax figure that suggests a facade of perfection, masking the darker aspects of his character. Alongside this it shows that everyone believe him to have a kindled nature. Jekyll is enclosed by the boundries of Victorian society, having to follow and present himself as a stereotypical gentleman, which further emphasizes the conflict between his public persona and private desires.

“there was something displeasing, something downright detestable.”- chapter 1

The repetition of ‘something’ shows that the speaker's inability to identify Hyde reflects the deep-seated unease and moral repulsion felt towards him. This ambiguity highlights the theme of duality and the struggle to understand the nature of evil. Alongside this, the alliteration of 'downright detestable’ emphasises the intense force of evil and the pure hatred surrounding Hyde. This then contrasts that Enfield cant place a finger on what is so disturbing; “ and yet I cant name anything out the way.” Therefore, makes the audience question what is so bizzar and abnormal about Hyde’s appearance.

“broke out of all bounds and clubbed him to the earth.”- chapter 4

this phase highlights Hyde’s violent and primal nature, suggesting a loss of control and the unleashing of his darker instincts. The imagery of breaking ‘out of all bounds’ reinforces the theme of repression and the consequences of unchecked desires. Furthermore, the use of animalistic imagery, through the verb, ‘clubbed’ connotes brutality, emphasizing the savagery of Hyde's actions and the inherent danger he poses to society. The graphic imagery has connotations linking to a caveman. Furthermore, putting emphasis on Lombrossos theory.

“pale and dwarfish” - chapter 6

Hyde’s immoral and obstruct nature is represented through his physical nature. It juxtaposes Jekyll’s features as he is describes as a ‘a tall, fine build of a man”. Stevenson uses Hyde’s outward appearance to mirror the grotesque, hidden aspects of the pleasures and desires that are unspoken of in the Victorian society. Alongside this is suggests Hyde is inhume and follows the theory of atavism. Stevenson plays on the fear as Victorians were frightened that if we did evolve from apes, that we could return to that original form. This hightens the gothic and horror aspects of the novella

2never lightened by a smile; cold scanty and embarrassed…. and yet somehow loveable2 -chapter 1

This is the first description of Utterson. Stevenson starts off by describing him with negative adjectives, creating a persona that’s very serious who is always upkeeping a formality surrounding his reputation. However, Stevenson then goes on to embellish Utterson by using a positive adjective, “loveable”. This creates a welcoming and tollerant aspect towards other memebers of his society. It shows that he has morals that represt a clasical Victorian gentleman; Utterson is always inclined to help and is tollerant of others.

“if he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr seek.”

Reveals Utterson’s determination. Stevenson uses the pun, “Mr seek” to show his persistance towards discovering Hyde. The opposing word, ‘Hyde’ to ‘Seek’ is a play on words with “hide” to create a sense of Utterson hunting down Hyde for a positive cause. This creates a sense of confidence and power in Utterson, alongside a hope whilst Utterson follows though with the desire to find answers to his couriosities surrounding Hyde

“Jekyll became too fanciful for me.” -chapter 2

Hints that Lanyon is traditional and stays with in the boundries of religion. This acts as a foil to Dr Jekyll as he pushed the religious beliefs surround science, going against God. Lanyon calling Jekyll’s work "‘fanciful’ reveals his disagreement towards Jekyll’s herisies.

“I felt bound to do as he requested”

This shows Lanyon loyalty towards Jekyll, despite their scientific disagreements. The word ‘bound’ reveals Lanyon feels it’s his duty to stay aquainted and maintain his friendship with Jekyll as if its his duty.

“I’m booked learned enough for that

Poole is defending himself in fear of feeling less than Utterson. He wanted to prove that he is good at his job. The word ‘enough’ reveals that Poole wants Utterson to view him with praise and a loyal servent. Alongside this, Poole doesnt want to feels idiotic around Utterson, mainly due to Uttersons high status and Poole being below him. Being able to speak of Jekyll and his traits. Overall, Poole wants to prove the power and loyalty he has as Jekyll’s key servant.