Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde quote analysis

“Large, well-made, smooth faced man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast”

The outside perception of Jekyll is that he’s a good man and is well respected. However, “slyish cast” implies something is being hidden by Jekyll that contrasts to the first impression of him, creating a sense of deceit.

“Greed of curiosity”

This links to the idea of scientists being desperate to find out more. Jekyll’s greed to know more becomes dangerous, it is also a reason which leads to his loss of control of which man he is to be. This links to the fact he is a scientist.

“something troglodytic”

The word ‘troglodyte’ stems from a Greek word translating to ‘cave-dweller’. Metaphorically, this is describing someone who is crude and uncivilised - someone who would not uphold a good standard of reputation.

“Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil”

Evil which is Hyde, is part of Jekyll. He has simply separated that part and given it freedom. Whilst evil can be given free rein, if not kept in check by conscience and discipline, no person can be wholly good.

“polar twins”

The word ‘twins’ creates the connection between Jekyll and Hyde, the idea of them being the same person. However, ‘polar’ suggests opposites. In this context it is the opposite behaviours each man displays, the contrast of good and evil and the theme of duality of man.

“The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde”

This is said when Jekyll is being questioned about Hyde impacting his safety. This suggests that Jekyll feels as if he is in control of Hyde and his own reputation which, as the story goes on, shows that he is not and his reputation is slowly slipping away from him. Jekyll is unaware of the lack of control he has over Hyde.

“Lying half shut on the bed logged, was lean, corded, knuckly, of a dusky pallor, and thickly shaded with a smart growth of hair”

This emphasises that Jekyll is no longer in complete control of Hyde as Hyde has made an appearance with no use of a concoction. The word choice of ‘dusky’ adds emphasis to how unclear Jekyll is of the situation he finds himself in, this can also refer to Jekyll’s life as Mr Hyde - shrouded in dark secrets.

“A qualm came over me… bonds of obligation”

‘Qualm’ stresses to the reader that Jekyll is feeling uneasy. It creates a sense of worry and fear within Jekyll as in broad daylight and in a public place, Hyde is starting to take over Jekyll. This shows a lack of control over Hyde as he would usually only appear at night. The word ‘obligation’ emphasises Jekyll having no choice in this change.

“I stood there already committed to a profound duplicity of me”

“Profound” emphasises a very great or intense emotion, showing how deeply Jekyll regrets becoming two. The secrecy of having two sides gets so overwhelming for Jekyll that he takes his own life. It is the only way that he could escape his double life of being the expert Dr Jekyll and the barbarian Mr Hyde.

“Good and ill which divide and compound man’s dual nature”

From this we think about the two sides of the human race which are constantly at quarrel with one another - the good and the evil. The ways in which behaviour we show, the choices we make and the decisions we decide all fall under the headings of good and evil. Most people are more one then the other - like Jekyll until the evil took over.