SETTING QUOTES AND ANALYSIS

SECRECY

Jekyll’s house key idea:

Throughout the novella, the house of Dr. Jekyll stands as a potent symbol of duality, mirroring the inner conflict within the character himself. From the outside, Jekyll’s house exudes an aura of respectability and order, much like Jekyll himself, however, beneath the facade of civility lies a darker reality, as evidenced by the sinister events unfolding within its walls. As Hyde’s power grows throughout the novel, the descriptions of Jekyll’s house become more sinister, reflecting the way Hyde begins to take over Jekyll.

Jekyll’s house:

• “Locked door”

• “No window”

• “No bell nor knocker”

• “Dingy windowless structure”

All symbolize the secrecy with which Jekyll conceals his immoral acts from society. A physical barrier that prevents society from discovering his true nature.

• “The fog rolled over the city in small hours” Chapter 4

• “Chocolate-covered pall”

Stevenson uses the fog covering London as a central gothic motif and a form of pathetic fallacy, mirroring the way moral corruption permeates the entirety of London.

Diction of “small hours” reflects the depth of the night and hints at an atmosphere of secrecy in the darkness, both metaphorically and physically.

• “The door…was blistered and disdained.” Chapter 1

Creates the prominent semantic field of decay.

Physical decay mirrors the moral corruption of London.

Structural symbolism - this is the door that leads to Hyde’s character in the book, his environment reflecting his nature.