Language: Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

style/register

The language in the main narrative is mostly formal which makes certain details sound more horrific.

Formal & controlled language

The use of formal language is intended to reflect Uttersons personality and lawyerly mindset. It also makes the violence in the novella stand out e.g "brandishing the cane"

Description of Hyde

Hyde is frequently described using animal imagery such as "ape-like fury". Also, the characters often struggle to realistically compare Hyde to anything or anyone else. This presents him as a mysterious and threatening.

Use of double meanings

Create secrecy. Such as the the opposing descriptions of Jekyll and Hyde to emphasise the theme of duality. This creates tension between what is real and what is not.

Genre

The Gothic - a literary genre originating from the 18th century, which describes a sinister, grotesque or mysterious atmosphere. Such novels are often set in dark places or ruined buildings.

Setting

Stevenson's choice of London as his setting suggests that the rapidly changing city was becoming to some of its inhabitants a strange and frightening place.

Use of documents and reports.

Using documents, such Lanyon's letter, Stevenson shows events that have happened in the past or in secret. They also add a sense of realism.

Imagery

Some characters, especially Jekyll, use vivid descriptive language (similes and metaphors) to explain things - such as Jekyll saying his reason was 'shipwrecked'.

Personal style

The different narrative 'voices' that tell parts of the story have different personal styles, revealing their personalities and concerns. Lanyon uses technical scientific words: 'the ebullition ceased'.

Oxymoron

"trampled calmly"

Duality

Contrast

Stevenson uses contrast when describing setting to emphasise the frightening and dark atmosphere

Personification

"building thrust forward"

personifies evil in Hyde himself

Personification

"low growl of London" which presents the setting as threatening and as a reflection of Hyde's terror.

Symbolism

Jekyll's house and laboratory is different, which symbolises the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde.

References to hell and the Devil

The repetitive references to describe Hyde, for example: "if ever I read Satan's signature upon a face" emphasise how unnatural and abnormal Hyde is and that is existence is a sin against God.

Pathetic fallacy

The continuous references to the gloomy weather and the fog, e.g: "the fog rolled in" create an atmosphere of secrecy and mystery that is intended to shroud the secret of Jekyll's Hyde.