Jekyll & Hyde | Dr Jekyll

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Chapter Three: REPUTABLE DOCTOR
“large, well-made, smooth-faced…”

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Key Quotes + Analysis because I can't be asked to write.

English

Literature

GCSE English Literature

Eduqas

19th-Century Prose

You can do this, I swear...

10th

Chapter Three: REPUTABLE DOCTOR
“large, well-made, smooth-faced…”

POINT: Near the beginning of the novella, Stevenson introduces Jekyll as a reputable doctor.
EMBEDDED QUOTES+ZOOM w/ EXPLANATION: The doctor's "large, well-made" face reflects his occupational power and social standing. His "smooth-faced" persona refers to the calmness he maintains in order to maintain his reputation at all times.
This slowly introduces the theme of reputation.
AUTHORIAL INTENT: Stevenson does this purposely to emphasise the contrast between Jekyll and Hyde, so that readers may wrongly regard Jekyll as a respectable character in contrast to Hyde.
CONTEXT: In addition to this, the concept of physiognomy emerges; readers would feel compelled to respect and appreciate the doctor just because of his “well-made” appearance.
AUTHORIAL INTENT + EFFECT OF READERS: Stevenson does this to ensure that the final reveal has the intended impact on readers by introducing Jekyll through his reputation as a reputable doctor at the beginning of the novella, to blind readers from the truth of Jekyll’s far darker side from the very beginning.

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Chapter Five: IGNORANT
“The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde.”

POINT: As the novel progresses, Stevenson portrays Dr. Jekyll as ignorant about the nature of his experiments.
EMBEDDED QUOTES+ZOOM w/ EXPLANATION: He believes he can "be rid" of Hyde. This demonstrates his lack of understanding of the link between himself and his darker side. The phrase "the moment I choose" highlights his misguided belief in his control over Hyde, showcasing his hubris**.
AUTHORIAL INTENT: Stevenson uses this to foreshadow Jekyll's downfall to readers, emphasising the dangers of separating and suppressing one's darker impulses.
AUTHORIAL INTENT + EFFECT OF READERS: This creates suspense and concern for readers, reflecting societal fears about hidden desires and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation.
LINK BACK TO THE POINT: Ultimately, Jekyll's belief presents him as an ignorant character who believes he is free from desires and evil.