GCSE -Jekyll and Hyde

"He was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone"

This quote reveals Utterson’s self-denial and strict morality. The word “austere” suggests a harsh, disciplined personality, aligned with Victorian ideals of restraint and propriety. His choice to drink “gin when he was alone” shows a private indulgence, implying repression—he avoids public displays of pleasure to uphold his reputation. Stevenson critiques Victorian hypocrisy: outward respectability masks inner desires. Utterson’s character symbolises the struggle between social expectation and hidden impulses, a key theme in the novel. His repression makes him both a reliable narrator and a reflection of the novel’s broader concern with duality.

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If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek

This pun reveals Utterson’s determination and moral curiosity. The playful language shows he sees uncovering Hyde’s identity as a moral quest. Yet, the pun also hints at the duality central to the novel—“Hyde” and “Seek” become symbolic opposites. Stevenson uses Utterson as a rational, methodical character attempting to bring order to the chaos Jekyll and Hyde represent. It also highlights the Victorian fascination with science, logic, and discovery, even when confronting dark truths. Utterson’s role as a seeker positions him as the audience’s guide through the moral complexities of the narrative.

the man seems hardly human! Something troglodytic

This dehumanising language conveys Hyde’s disturbing nature. The exclamation “God bless me” signals Utterson’s shock, and “hardly human” reflects how Hyde violates moral and physical norms. The term “troglodytic” implies a primitive, evolutionary regression, connecting Hyde with the fears of degeneration in the late Victorian era. Stevenson links physical ugliness with moral corruption, echoing the pseudoscientific beliefs of the time. Hyde becomes a symbol of man’s animalistic instincts, hidden beneath the veneer of civility. The quote emphasises the novel’s concern with suppressed savagery and the thin boundary between civilisation and barbarism.

"Ape-like fury

This animalistic simile emphasises Hyde’s savagery and loss of humanity. “Ape-like” links him with evolution and degeneration, tapping into Victorian fears inspired by Darwin’s theories. The phrase reinforces the idea that Hyde represents regression to a primal state. “Fury” suggests uncontrolled rage and violence. Stevenson uses this moment to show that Hyde is not simply evil but deeply irrational, an uncontrollable force. The quote encapsulates the central horror of the novel: the potential for every person to revert to brutal instinct if societal and moral restraints are removed.

Man is not truly one, but truly two"

This quote is central to the novel’s theme of duality. Jekyll’s statement reflects his belief that every individual contains opposing moral forces. Stevenson uses this idea to challenge Victorian ideals of absolute morality, suggesting instead that evil is an inherent part of human nature. The repetition of “truly” stresses the authenticity of this dual existence. Through Jekyll’s scientific experimentation, Stevenson explores the dangers of denying one’s darker impulses. This philosophical reflection also invites the reader to question the validity of social masks and the cost of repression in a society obsessed with appearances.

The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde

This quote reveals Jekyll’s initial belief in his control over evil. The phrase “the moment I choose” is filled with hubris, showing Jekyll’s overconfidence in his ability to manage Hyde. Stevenson critiques this arrogance, as it foreshadows Jekyll’s loss of control. The line reflects human delusion—the idea that we can control our darker selves indefinitely. It also underscores a key moral message: giving in to temptation, even briefly, can have irreversible consequences. The statement marks Jekyll’s moral blindness and the beginning of his tragic downfall.

My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring

This metaphor shows the violent release of Jekyll’s suppressed desires. The “devil” symbolises his inner evil, and the imagery of a “caged” beast evokes both imprisonment and repression. “Roaring” connotes aggression and loss of control, illustrating how repression only strengthens darker impulses. Stevenson uses this to critique Victorian morality, which demanded outward purity but ignored internal complexity. The quote reinforces the theme of duality and the dangers of denying parts of oneself. It marks the moment where Jekyll recognises the destructive force of his alter ego.

It was Hyde, after all, and Hyde alone, that was guilty"

This line shows Jekyll’s moral disassociation from Hyde’s actions. He tries to absolve himself by blaming a separate identity, ignoring his responsibility in creating and unleashing Hyde. Stevenson uses this to explore how people compartmentalise guilt and shift blame. The repetition of “Hyde” emphasises denial and reinforces the illusion of separation. The statement reflects the dangers of moral hypocrisy and the refusal to take accountability. Jekyll’s justification is tragically ironic—his attempt to free himself from guilt leads to his ultimate destruction.

"Trampled calmly over the child’s body

This shocking juxtaposition—“trampled” and “calmly”—immediately characterises Hyde as monstrous and inhuman. Stevenson crafts this moment to horrify Victorian readers and challenge the idea that evil is recognisable or dramatic; instead, it can be quiet, casual, and deeply unsettling. The incident introduces Hyde as a figure of unprovoked violence and amorality. It also foreshadows the novel’s exploration of how societal repression can give birth to unpredictable and destructive forces. Hyde becomes the embodiment of impulse and cruelty unleashed.