The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

By Robert Louis Stevenson

Higher English Revision Guide

Some information taken from BBC Bitesize

Robert Louis StevensonThe author was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, in 1850. His family included engineers, scientists, a professor of philosophy, and a religious minister. We can see the scientific and religious sides of Stevenson's family reflected in both his life and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.Stevenson was a sickly child (he had serious lung problems) who read a great deal about travel and adventure. A combination of his love of adventure and ill health led him to spend many years as a writer travelling the world in search of a climate that was healthier than Britain's.

In 1890, he went to live in the remote Samoan Islands in the South Pacific. He died there in 1894 at the age of 44.

Religion and science in the 19th centuryA satirical cartoon depicting Charles Darwin as a monkey, 1871.

In 1859, when Stevenson was nine years old, Charles Darwin published The Origin of Species. This book became famous for introducing the Theory of Evolution to the public.

Many people saw it as an attack on religion, because the book made it impossible to believe that God created the world in seven days.

Darwin put forward the theory that all life, including humans, has evolved from more primitive forms. The transformation of Jekyll to the ape-like Hyde links to this idea of a primitive nature inside us.

The book's release came at a time when many people saw science and a belief in religion and the supernatural as being at odds with each another. Many felt they had to choose between the two. And many believed that science had become dangerous and was meddling in matters which only God had control over. This is what Jekyll does in the novel.

The idea of a scientist playing God and suffering the consequences suggest influence from Mary Shelley's Frankenstein.

Analysis: Social and Historical Context In Jekyll and Hyde, Stevenson sets up a strong contrast between the primitive, animalistic self and the civilized, respectable self.

One way to understand ‘primitive’ is to think of a toddler or small animal, or basic human urges – greedy, selfish, not polite. The primitive self doesn’t understand social conventions or taboos (=things you shouldn’t do). It's easily frightened, quick to fight. In adults, there are basic lusts and desires. No understanding of law.

This is represented by Mr Hyde. He is the personification not just of evil, but of ‘primitive’ human urges. He is a very extreme version of something we all have inside, but which we keep hidden. In Freudian psychology, this selfish, basic part of our nature is called the Id. The Id is usually kept in balance with the other parts of our nature. We may want to be greedy, lustful, rude, etc, but we have been brought up to be polite and have self-control, and respect other people, not just ourselves. We (unlike Mr Hyde) are civilized and ‘respectable’. We care what society (other people) think of us. In Jekyll and Hyde, society and civilization are represented (‘personified’) by Lanyon and Utterson (among others).

Some people would argue that this ‘veneer [a thin layer] of civilization’ is not as strong as the basic urges that rage underneath. Our primitive self is always trying to break out. We have urges or impulses which we have to fight and keep under control. This constant battle between primitive and civilized self causes tension. COMPARE to the inner tension between good and evil in Macbeth, and animal imagery used to describe base (wrong) primitive acts like murder.

Think about how violently the respectable characters in the book always want to stamp Hyde out. They dislike him violently, and even want to kill him. This contrast shows the conflict between primitive urges and civilization.

The Problem of Evolution: Another way to understand Animalistic and Primitive Imagery

The Victorian perspective

Before Stevenson wrote, Charles Darwin discovered that man was a form of ape, a type of animal. This was a big problem. Animals, and ‘nature’ were thought of as brutal: ‘nature red in tooth and claw’ (Tennyson). Also, if man were a type of animal, he could not be ‘made in God’s image.’ This shocked Victorian sensibilities and let to a crisis of faith and of identity. Stevenson shows this tension (that existed in people’s minds), literally, by showing how people are terrified by Hyde’s ape-like, primitive behaviour. In Hyde, Stevenson shows us the horror of man-as-ape in contrast to the more pleasing idea of man as god-like. The man-ape is a trope (typical image) of late Victorian literature, especially in the horror genre.

In the novel, religion and science are strong themes which are often in conflict. Jekyll’s ‘fantastic’ experiments are so shocking to the respectable, conventional Dr Lanyon that they kill him, and indeed, end up killing Jekyll. At the darkest moments of the novel there are many appeals to God, none of which seem to be answered. There is no happy ending in this book. The dark experiments of science only end in death, destruction and despair.

Double livesClosely linked to the Victorians' increasing sense of the conflict between science and religion was the idea that humans have a dual nature.

On the one hand, they saw the calm, rational, everyday normality of family life and employment; on the other, fantasies, nightmares, anger and violence. It was the explainable versus the inexplicable; the natural versus the supernatural; good versus evil. This is the duality the novel explores.

Stevenson had previously written on the theme of double lives in a number of works

Deacon Brodie

Stevenson's play 'Deacon Brodie' dealt with the theme of duality in the real life figure of William BrodieThe play Deacon Brodie (1880) was based on the real life character William Brodie (1741 - 1788).

Brodie came from a privileged background and was a craftsman and member of Edinburgh’s council.

Although he was wealthy and seemed respectable, he drank and gambled, and had two mistresses and five children. He used his skills as a locksmith to rob houses and businesses and to attempt to steal tax collected from across Scotland.

He was finally found out, captured and hanged in Edinburgh in 1787.

The Body Snatcher

In his short story The Body Snatcher(1884), Stevenson tells the story of medical students who take delivery of bodies to be used for anatomy lessons. It becomes apparent that some of the bodies

are of people murdered to supply this trade.

This is based on the case of Burke and Hare, two criminals who, in 1827 and 1828, robbed graves and then murdered ten people to provide bodies for medical studies at Edinburgh University.

Like Jekyll and Hyde there is a theme of respectable science hiding criminal behaviour.

Markheim

In Stevenson’s short story Markheim (1885), the title character murders an antique dealer and attempts to steal from him. A supernatural stranger appears and the two discuss the nature of good and evil.

Markheim admits he has lived and evil life, but when a servant returns home, he refuses to kill her and instead embraces his good side by telling her to call the police.

FormIn Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson writes in the novel form. He uses features of the Gothic genre, which originated in the 18th century and describes an atmosphere which is sinister, grotesque or mysterious.

Gothic novels are often set in dark, mysterious places or ruined buildings. Stevenson's London, with its dark streets and ever-present fog fits the Gothic genre perfectly.

Stevenson also uses first person perspective which gives the reader great insight into the character's viewpoint. In this novel the reader is given the perspective of three different characters: Utterson, Dr Lanyon, and Dr Jekyll.

SymbolismThe names of the two main characters would seem to each have a double meaning. If we separate the two syllables of Jekyll's name – "je" and "Kyll" – it could mean "I Kill", as "Je" means "I" in French.

Similarly, Hyde's name may appear to suggest other things if we take its homonym "Hide" which could refer to something that is hidden from view or the rough skin of an animal pointing to Hyde's uncivilised and animalistic nature.

Symbolism of size and ageIn the novel there is a considerable difference in size between Jekyll and Hyde. Hyde is much smaller than Jekyll and this is most notable when his small body is found in the clothes of Jekyll. As Hyde represents the evil side of Jekyll, this size difference suggests that the author views this side of the human character to be in some way lesser than the good and rational side.

Hyde is also described as being younger and more energetic than Jekyll. This suggests that this side of human nature develops later in life after a period of childhood innocence. It also suggests that Stevenson felt that this side of human nature was more exhilarating and energetic than the higher more respectable side of human nature. This is also illustrated in the novel where Jekyll describes how much he initially enjoyed being the Hyde persona.

StructureThe structure of the novel is both complicated and interesting. Stevenson splits the novel into ten chapters each given a title:

1. Story of the Door

2. Search for Mr Hyde

3. Dr Jekyll was Quite at Ease

4. The Carew Murder Case

5. Incident of the Letter

6. Remarkable Incident of Dr Lanyon

7. Incident at the Window

8. The Last Night

9. Dr Lanyon's Narrative

10. Henry Jekyll's Full Statement of the Case

The titles show us how tension is built in the novel towards a climax in chapters 4-8.

The complex structure is, in part, because of the number of different narrators. Utterson narrates the bulk of the novel before we get Lanyon's account and then finally Jekyll's. This must be the case because if we heard from Jekyll before this then the mystery would be revealed.

Analysing Stevenson's use of language When analysing language consider:

• What has the writer done?• How have they done it?• Why have they done it?• What's the effect on the reader?

How has he done it? Why has he done it? What is the effect on the reader?

SimileStevenson uses a simile when describing Mr Hyde: 'really like Satan.'

Stevenson has done this to directly compare Hyde's behaviour to Satan's. This shows that Hyde is an abominable human being who doesn't really have a conscience.

This shocks the Victorian reader due to their religious beliefs and their knowledge and understanding of Satan's behaviour and actions.

Personification

Stevenson uses personification when describing the laboratory in the opening chapter: 'a certain sinister block of building thrust forward its gable on the street.'

The fact that the building is 'thrusting' forward highlights to the reader that this building and the person using it is unusual.

This makes the reader aware of the building and immediately makes it sinister, ensuring that the reader knows the person using the building might be up to no good.

Imagery

Stevenson uses imagery when describing Carew's dead body: 'The stick with which the deed had been done...had broken under the stress of this insensate cruelty; and one splintered half had rolled in the neighbouring gutter'.

This shows how horrific the murder scene was - how the weapon had splintered under the pressure and how it had been left in a gutter, as if it didn't matter. This image depicts the brutality of the murder.

This makes the reader despise Hyde for his cruelty and what he has done. The use of the word 'insensate' shows the reader how emotionless Hyde was while murdering another human being.

Powerful verbsStevenson uses powerful verbs when describing Carew's dead body, such as 'mangled.'

This creates an image of a dead, unidentifiable body that has suffered a cruel, violent death.

This makes the reader feel disgusted at what Hyde has done. It also makes the reader empathise with Carew.

Onomatopoeia Stevenson uses words such as 'trampling' and 'shattered'.

Stevenson has done this to allow the reader to picture the brutality of the murder and to imagine how it sounded. 'Trampling 'describes the sound of someone stamping, highlighting Hyde's brutality.

This makes the reader feel disgusted with Hyde and empathise with Carew. Any sympathy you may have had for Hyde has vanished because of this callous crime.

PlotThe Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson is a narrative about the complexities of science and the duplicity of human nature. Dr Jekyll is a kind, well-respected and intelligent scientist who meddles with the darker side of science, as he wants to bring out his 'second' nature.

He does this through transforming himself into Mr Hyde - his evil alter ego who doesn't repent or accept responsibility for his evil crimes and ways. Jekyll tries to control his alter ego, Hyde, and for a while, Jekyll has the power. However, towards the end of the novel, Hyde takes over and this results in their deaths

Meeting Mr Hyde

Utterson's first meeting with Mr HydeThe novel begins with Mr Utterson taking his weekly walk with his friend, Mr Enfield. As they walk they

pass through an alley and Utterson comments on a strange, derelict door that they pass. Enfield tells the story of how he saw a young girl being trampled by a strange man.Enfield pursued the man and demanded he return and make the situation right. The man offers to pay compensation to the girl and goes in the door to return with some cash and a cheque.

Utterson is very interested in this and asks whether the man used a key to open the door, which he did. We learn that the door is the back entrance to Dr Jekyll's house and that the man is Mr Hyde.

Utterson becomes obsessed with Mr Hyde and wants to meet him. He examines Jekyll's will which he has in his safe and discovers that Jekyll has left everything to Mr Hyde. He asks around about Mr Hyde and begins watching the door at all hours.

Finally, he meets Mr Hyde and is shocked by the sense of evil coming from him. Utterson seeks to warn Jekyll but is told by his butler, Poole, that Jekyll is away and that he has been instructed by Jekyll to let Hyde come and go as he pleases. Utterson is worried that Hyde may be blackmailing Jekyll or seeking to kill him to benefit from the will.

Concern for Dr Jekyll

Two weeks pass and Utterson meets Jekyll at a dinner party. Utterson discusses his concerns about the will with him. Jekyll laughs at Utterson's worries, comparing them to Lanyon’s "hidebound" (conventional and unadventurous) attitude to medical science.

The reader now sees why Lanyon and Jekyll have fallen out, and the reader starts to understand that Jekyll's behaviour has become unusual. Jekyll asks Utterson to talk no more about it as he has the situation under control and he can be rid of Mr Hyde whenever he chooses.

The murder of Sir Danvers Carew

Mr Hyde attacks Sir Danvers Carew

Nearly a year passes, and a gentleman named Sir Danvers Carew is brutally murdered. A maid looking out of a window witnesses the crime and describes how she saw Carew beaten to death by a man that she recognises as Mr Hyde. She is horrified by the brutality of the attack and is very distressed by what she has witnessed.

A letter addressed to Utterson is found on the body and the police contact him. Utterson recognises the broken walking cane used to murder Carew as the one that he gave to Jekyll years before.

He offers to lead the police to his house. Once there, they are told that Hyde has not been seen for months and they find the other half of the cane and signs of a hasty exit.

Dr Jekyll becomes very ill and isolated. He assures Utterson that he is now rid of Mr Hyde and shows him a letter from Hyde that proves this. Utterson asks his clerk to compare Hyde's handwriting to Jekyll's. They are found to be almost identical with the exception that Jekyll's writing slopes in the opposite direction to Hyde's. Utterson believes that Jekyll has forged the letter to cover Hyde's escape.

The death of Lanyon

The police are unable to find Hyde and Jekyll's mood seems to improve and he becomes sociable again for the next couple of months. Suddenly he becomes depressed and withdrawn and Utterson becomes concerned for him.

Utterson visits Lanyon to discuss his concerns but finds that Lanyon has become very ill and is on his death bed. Lanyon will not discuss Jekyll, but he suggests that Jekyll is the cause of his illness.

Lanyon dies soon after and leaves a letter to Utterson that is only to be opened on the death or disappearance of Dr Jekyll.

Utterson, being a good lawyer, locks this away in his safe. Utterson tries to visit Jekyll again several times but his servant, Poole, says he is living in isolation and will not see anyone.

Utterson and Enfield, whilst out on one of their walks, pass by Jekyll's window and see him. He looks like a prisoner in solitary confinement. Utterson calls out to him suggesting that he joins them for a walk. Jekyll declines and his face suddenly freezes in an expression of "abject terror and despair". This change is so sudden that it "froze the very blood of the two gentlemen below". The pair leave in silence.

The death of Jekyll

The body of Hyde in Jekyll's clothing. He lies twitching near death.One evening, Poole visits Utterson and asks him to come with him to Jekyll's house. They go to the laboratory but find the door locked. Inside they can hear a voice, and both are convinced it is Hyde.

Poole explains that Jekyll has been asking for a particular chemical for days now but every time it has been fetched for him he rejects it as not pure. Poole also explains that he caught a glimpse of the man inside and he looked barely human.

Utterson decides to break down the door and inside they find the body of a small, deformed man, who Utterson recognises as Hyde, on the floor wearing clothes that would fit Dr Jekyll. He is twitching and holding a vial.

On the desk they find a confession written by Jekyll and a copy of his will with Hyde's name crossed out and replaced with Utterson's. These documents are taken by Utterson to study. He tells Poole that he will return before midnight once he has read them.

Resolution and explanation

Dr Lanyon's letter tells of how Lanyon received a letter from Jekyll asking for him to collect a drawer that contained some chemicals, a vial and a notebook from Jekyll's laboratory. Lanyon was to give it to a man who would call at midnight.

Lanyon does this and at midnight a man arrives who is small andgrotesque, wearing clothes that are far too big for him. The visitor offers to take the chemicals away or drink the vial in front of him. Lanyon accepts this and watches as the man drinks the vial and transforms into Dr Jekyll. Lanyon is horrified and becomes very ill.

In the other document is Dr Jekyll's full statement of the case. Jekyll tells the story of how he turned into Hyde. He details how, what started as scientific curiosity of the dual nature of man and a desire to destroy his "darker self" became an addiction to the Hyde persona who increasingly took over until he destroyed Jekyll.

Major themesThe theme in a piece of writing is an important idea or subject that runs through a text. Themes invite us to consider what the author is trying to say about a certain aspect of life and help the text become more significant to us because we are encouraged to think more deeply about the story.

A text may have one theme or many. The themes we study in Jekyll and Hyde concern binary opposites, that is, complete opposites like wet and dry or hot and cold. This is most obvious in the main theme of duality.

DualityThe duality of human nature is the main theme of the novel. This is the idea that every human being has good and evil within them.

Stevenson shows this duality in the novel with Dr Jekyll's experiment, but we learn that ultimately what is important is how you behave and the decisions that you make. This determines whether a person is good or not.

Jekyll's experiment is at the heart of this theme. He seeks to separate these sides of human nature and rid himself of the evil one. Dr Jekyll comes to represent the good side of human nature while Mr Hyde represents the evil side.

The tipping point of the story comes when Hyde murders Sir Danvers Carew. Evil triumphs over good and Jekyll loses control over the opposing sides of his nature. As the novel progresses Stevenson shows us that Jekyll's idea will not work and that these opposing sides are dependant on each other to some extent.

This duality is also shown in his portrayal of London. Victorian London is portrayed as a world split into two halves with bright and grand squares contrasting with seedy back streets. This is best shown in Dr Jekyll's house which has a grand façade but a neglected and grubby back door.

Evidence Analysis

"I learned to recognise the thorough and primitive duality of man."

Jekyll discusses the idea of duality. He considers it "primitive" and part of man's essential nature.

"The street shone out in contrast to its dingy neighbourhood".

An example of the theme of duality symbolised in the description of the city.

"I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two."

Jekyll recognises the duality of human nature and recognises that this will ultimately destroy him.

Science, nature, and the supernaturalIn the novel both Jekyll and Lanyon are scientists. They disagree completely about each other's methods though, with Lanyon calling Jekyll's work unscientific balderdash. Jekyll sees Lanyon as an ignorant blatant pedant. Lanyon avoids Jekyll for years because of this disagreement over scientific method.

In contrast to this Jekyll says that his investigations led wholly towards the mystic and the transcendental. His fascination with the mystery of human nature seems to have more in common with philosophy and religion than it does with science. It should be remembered that the study of psychology was in its infancy when the novel was published, and it could be said that Jekyll's ideas have more in common with that branch of study.

In the novel, religion and science are strong themes which are often in conflict. Jekyll’s ‘fantastic’ experiments are so shocking to the respectable, conventional Dr Lanyon that they

kill him, and indeed, end up killing Jekyll. At the darkest moments of the novel there are many appeals to God, none of which seem to be

answered. There is no happy ending in this book. The dark experiments of science only end in death,

destruction and despair.

Evidence Analysis

"bound to the most narrow and material views, you have denied the virtue of transcendental medicine, you who have derided your superiors - behold!"

Hyde criticises Lanyon for his narrow-mindedness and his unwillingness to embrace "transcendental medicine".

"I never saw a man so distressed as you were by my will; unless it were that hide-bound pedant, Lanyon, at what he called my scientific heresies. O, I know he's a good fellow—you needn't frown—an excellent fellow, and I always mean to see more of him; but a hide-bound pedant for all that; an ignorant, blatant pedant. I was never more disappointed in any man than Lanyon."

Jekyll expresses his disappointment in Lanyon's conservative views regarding science. He calls Lanyon "hide-bound" meaning that he thinks that Lanyon has fixed opinions and is not willing to be changed or influenced.

AddictionIn the 19th Century

Used to describe pursuit of a habit Morphine, cocaine, alcohol Seen as hereditary physical diseases Later seen as a disease of the will – psychological Late 19th century – dependence or addiction to substances really recognised.

The novel is often seen as a metaphor for addiction. Jekyll indeed has a two-sided personality – often a side-effect of drug or alcohol dependency. Jekyll also addicted to Hyde – a psychological addiction to a darker personality.

Physiological

His habit affects him physically – not only does he literally transform into Hyde, but even as he remains Jekyll, there is a marked difference in him, and he often looks unwell.

Utterson suggests Jekyll has a malady ‘that both torture and deform the sufferer’ – a euphemism for syphilis. It is clear that his transformation, and subsequent ‘hangovers’ cause him pain. However, Jekyll remain dependent on it, and even craves greater strength – ‘For God’s sake… find me some of the old.’

Psychological

Jekyll is mentally dependent on his creation

‘I felt younger, lighter, happier in body; within I was conscious of a heady recklessness, a current of disordered sensual images running a millrace in my fancy, a solution of the bonds of obligation, an unknown but not an innocent freedom of the soul. I knew myself, at the first breath of the new life, to be more wicked, tenfold more wicked, sold a slave to my original evil; and the thought, in that moment, braced and delighted me like wine.'

Here, J takes a delight in his addiction, and the use of a syndetic list suggests excitement and a thrill in his behaviour. As well as that, Stevenson’s use of imagery in ‘current’ suggests a spark or awakening of the senses. However, even as he “delights” in this darker side, there is a foreshadowing Jekyll succumbing to it, with the use of ‘slave’ suggesting a lack of control or addiction.

Addiction and the dual nature of man

Jekyll is addicted to a duplicity of life that society would never let him explore. He discovers perverse pleasures through Hyde and he cannot let this go. However, he also tries to avoid admission of this, by attempting to convince others that they are separate entities.

However, ultimately they are the same person. Jekyll takes pleasure in Hyde’s depravity, and, as a result, it becomes easy for Hyde to take control without the drug.

Wider Context

Stevenson explores addiction to comment on the two-sided nature of society. Jekyll’s secret addiction arguably mirrors the darker side of society and an unwillingness to confront its problems. As a result, addiction is greatly linked with the major themes of the novel – duality of man, the beast within us all, and the need for secrecy.

Evidence in the Novel

Hyde being secretive – doesn’t want others to know; enters the back door of laboratory. Jekyll’s change in appearance at the window. Jekyll’s language – thinks he can give it up (Hyde) whenever he wants. Jekyll’s removal from society. Jekyll’s account in ‘The Full Statement…’

Characters overviewIn Stevenson's novel, there are main, secondary and minor characters. Stevenson uses the characters to illustrate the main plot points and themes.

Main characters

Dr Jekyll

Mr Hyde

Secondary characters

Mr Utterson

Dr Lanyon

Minor characters

Poole - Dr Jekyll's butler

Mr Richard Enfield - Mr Utterson's friend and cousin

Sir Danvers Carew - Mr Hyde's murder victim

Dr JekyllDr Jekyll is a well-respected, intelligent doctor and experimental scientist. We know that he is wealthy and respectable but also that he was a bit wild in his youth. In truth he struggles to reconcile his serious public side with his "concealed pleasures" and it is this struggle that leads to his famous experiment.

Jekyll seeks to separate the "evil" side of his nature permanently which he hopes will lead to "the furtherance of knowledge and the relief of sorrow and suffering".

His experiments cause him to become erratic in his behaviour and become alienated from his friends Utterson and Lanyon. This only gets worse as his experiments go wrong and he loses control over the transformations. He struggles to contain the Hyde persona and remain himself and this ultimately leads to his death.

Example Analysis

"a large, well-made, smooth faced man of fifty"

Physical description of Jekyll which is in stark contrast to Hyde.

"but every mark of capacity and kindness"

Shows Jekyll's personality.

"the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde"

Jekyll reassures Utterson about Hyde, it is also ironic that Jekyll returns to Hyde often as he cannot overcome his own temptation.

"I bind my honour to you that I am done with him in this world."

Jekyll promises Utterson that he is done with Hyde. He will later break this promise.

"I concealed my pleasures"The beginnings of Jekyll’s concerns with the duality of human nature. He suppressed what he thought to be wrong.

Mr Hyde

Fredric March portrays Mr Hyde in the 1931 film adaptation of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Mr Hyde is described as devilish, evil, and a criminal mastermind. His first appearance in the novel shows him violently trampling a young girl. His violence continues, and he eventually murders Sir Danvers Carew.

Hyde is Jekyll's evil side made flesh. He is smaller and younger than Jekyll suggesting that Dr Jekyll's good side is larger than his bad and that his evil side develops later in life than the good.

Stevenson makes Hyde more mysterious by only hinting at his physical appearance. We know that people are deeply affected by his appearance though.

“There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man so disliked.”

Hyde is unforgiving and doesn’t repent for his crimes or sins. He is selfish and wishes for complete dominance over Jekyll

Evidence Analysis

"he broke out in great flame of anger... carrying on like a mad man"

Description of Hyde murdering Sir Danvers Carew. Shows Hyde's lack of self-control.

"with ape-like fury, he was trampling his victim under foot and hailing down a storm of blows"

Shows the brutality of Hyde's attack.

"I never saw a man I so disliked and yet I scarce know why."

Enfield's description of Hyde's physical appearance.

"He must be deformed, he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn't specify the point..."

Enfield cannot put his finger on what it is about Hyde that is “deformed”.

"Mr Hyde shrank back with a hissing intake of the breath..."

The word "hissing" again shows Hyde's animalistic qualities.

"Mr Hyde was pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation, he had a displeasing smile..."

Utterson's description of Hyde echoes Enfield's description. The characters that meet Hyde are all convinced that something is "wrong" with him but cannot pinpoint what it is.

"unknown disgust, loathing and fear"Again, Utterson reacts to Hyde in a similar way to Enfield. The reaction of disgust is common to all who meet Hyde.

Utterson

Utterson is Jekyll's loyal friend and it is through his perspective that we understand most of the novel. His loyalty to, and concern for, Jekyll are shown often.

When Sir Danvers Carew is murdered, Utterson protects his friend Jekyll by not mentioning their relationship to the police. Utterson is a lawyer and therefore a respectable, wealthy man in Victorian London.

He is calm and rational and rather like a scientist in his approach to life. He likes to weigh up the evidence. He is also curious and persistent which we see in his quest to uncover the true reality and motives of Mr Hyde.

“If he shall be Mr Hyde, he had thought, I shall be Mr Seek.”

It is this curiosity and persistence that eventually sees him uncover the truth about Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde's relationship.

Evidence Analysis

"lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow lovable"

Utterson is a serious-minded man with a respectable and serious profession. He is still "lovable" though.

"He had an approved tolerance for others..."

This shows Utterson to be a tolerant person willing to consider and appreciate views and ideas that he considers wrong.

"the last reputable acquaintance and the last good influence in the lives of down going men"

Utterson, by reputation is a loyal friend willing to help those around him.

LanyonArtistic depiction of Lanyon witnessing the transformation of Jekyll into Hyde

Dr Lanyon is a genial man and was once a great friend to Dr Jekyll. Lanyon is passionately attached to his scientific certainties and disagrees with Jekyll's theories which Lanyon describes as "scientific balderdash".

In contrast Jekyll considers him "hidebound" (conventional and unadventurous) in his attitude towards medical science. This causes the men to fall out and not talk for over ten years.

When Lanyon witnesses Hyde's transformation back into Jekyll he cannot cope with the fight between his sensible, rational view of the world and what he sees before him. This is more than his mind can bear and he falls ill ultimately never to recover.

Evidence Analysis

"I wish to see no more of Dr Jekyll… I am quite done with that person; and beg you will spare me any allusion to one whom I regard as dead."

After watching his transformation, Lanyon is shocked to his core and wants no more to do with him.

"This was a hearty, healthy, dapper red-faced gentleman".

This early description of Lanyon contrasts with the later one after he has witnessed the transformation.

"Henry Jekyll became too fanciful for me. He began to go wrong, wrong in mind..."

Lanyon details why he fell out with Jekyll and how he disapproved of the research he was doing.

"unscientific balderdash".Lanyon is meticulous in his own scientific studies and dismisses what Jekyll is doing.

"the rosy man had grown pale; his flesh had fallen away"

This description of Lanyon after he has seen the transformation is in stark contrast to the description of him as hearty and healthy.

"I have had a shock and I shall never recover..."Lanyon cannot comprehend what he has witnessed when he sees the transformation.

Setting – the backdrop of the novelSettings have both a literal and a metaphorical meaning.

Time: Late Victorian – 19th Century

Place: London, Soho, streets (poorly lit), buildings (Hyde’s house, Jekyll’s laboratory). Setting reflects the underlying themes of the novel (duality of man, mystery)

London

Stevenson viewed London with a degree of contempt, and the novel is a means of criticising what he saw as the hypocrisy of the upper classes there. He disliked the duality of its inhabitants (Edinburgh also an influence), in how they hid their darker desires and habits, whilst maintaining their ‘moral’ and respectable appearance to the outside world. In the novel, there are two distinct classes reflected in Dr Jekyll / Mr Hyde: Lawyers and Doctors Vs Maid/ Policeman – how are they portrayed?

Arguably, Stevenson is making a clear comment on human nature here in that, regardless of class, we all have inherent good and evil held within. Jekyll’s addiction to his ‘potion’ surely suggests that even those with reputation can be corrupted.

Key Quotation – The Carew Murder Case

‘A great chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven, but the wind was continually charging and routing these embattled vapours’

Darkness enveloping London Pall – a dark cloud but also the cloth placed over a coffin. Sinister atmosphere suggesting a deal of ominousness. Mention of ‘Heaven’ suggests the divine yet through Stevenson’s word choice there is a sense of

struggle and conflict permeating the text. War-like/ aggressive imagery Use of pathetic fallacy – reflects mood.

Pathetic Fallacy

A technique where there is an attribution of human emotions to inanimate objects or nature (weather). Pathetic fallacy is used throughout the novel. London is made to appear twofold, commingled out of good and evil.

‘black winter morning’ – the morning is foul in temperament, reflecting the darker side of man and the novel’s main concern.

‘reinvasion of darkness’ – furious internal struggle within the novel’s very setting. Again, this reflects central concerns. It also aids atmosphere and reflects the characters of the novel.

Gothic

Stevenson manipulates setting to his own ends – playing on the Gothic tradition i.e. atmosphere of mystery, darkness, oppressiveness, fear, and doom. ‘here it would be dark like the back end of evening; and there would be the glow of a rich, lurid brown, like the light of some strange conflagration; and here, for a moment, the fog would be quite broken up, and a haggard shaft of daylight would glance in between the swirling wreaths.’ (page 52)

Lurid – vividly shocking to give an unpleasantly harsh effect. Conflagration – an extensive and most destructive fire.

All symbolic of the shock and horror that comes from those who discovers Jekyll's secret, as well as the destructiveness of indulging in this darker side of himself

Here, the weather seems oppressive, and there is a clear struggle between dark and light. The use of the word “haggard” suggests that the dark is winning - perhaps. Both quotations, through the choice of verbs, suggest rapid movement and struggle, and is reflective of what lies within both Jekyll and mankind as a whole. The words choice of ‘wreaths’ extends the funeral imagery, creating a sense of doom, foreshadowing Jekyll’s eventual fate. The use of fog throughout novel as a motif almost seems claustrophobic and aids sense of sinister unease. Ultimately, a mysterious and oppressive atmosphere developed – this aids the build-up of tension as the novel progresses.

Soho ‘The dismal quarter of Soho…’ ‘mournful reinvasion of darkness’ – use of personification. ‘Like a district of some city in a nightmare’ – link to Stevenson and his troubled sleep.

‘As the cab drew up before the address indicated, the fog lifted a little and showed him a dingy street, a gin palace, a low French eating house, a shop for the retail of penny numbers and two penny salads, many ragged children huddled in doorways, and many women of many different nationalities passing out, key in hand, to have a morning glass.’ (page 53)

Fog reflects mystery and the unknown. Lifts as they near their goal. Evidence of alcoholism and addiction “penny numbers” - cheap and of poor quality Comment on sensationalised literature of the time – link to maid at start of chapter – ‘romantically

given’ Comment on class – issues/problems of the working class Through his protagonist, Henry Jekyll, Stevenson suggests that all of us have, regardless of class, the

ability to succumb to vice. Hyde is at home here; Jekyll has a part of himself that is as such too.

Key Quotes for Setting

Symbolism of the door – page 8/18 The embattled city; London as an extended metaphor for the struggle within Jekyll – The Carew

Murder Case page 27/52 Use of fog as a symbol for mystery and secrecy p27/52-53 – foreshadowing Utterson’s dilemma

concerning the letter page 32/61. Pathetic fallacy used, foreshadowing the increasing tension to come later in the novel – page 9/19 Jekyll’s laboratory – page 30/58 Contrast between Soho and more respectable parts of the city– p 15/29 and p27/53.

Questions on the novel

Use full sentences in your answers and quotations (including page ref) where appropriate.

Chapter 1: Story of the Door

1. What sort of Character is Mr Utterson? 2. What evidence is there to suggest that Utterson has a private, hidden side? 3. Who is Mr Richard Enfield? 4. Enfield and Utterson walk every Sunday. Describe the street that they walk down. 5. How is one particular house different from the others on this street? 6. In your own words, explain what Enflield saw in his account of the 'Story of the Door'. 7. How do the characters react to the man who trampled the small girl? (describe the effect he has on them.) 8. Enfield describes the house by commenting that the windows are always shut. Why might this be significant? 9. What does Mr Hyde look like? How does Enfield describe him?

Chapter 2: The Search for Mr Hyde 1. Describe the reason that Dr. Lanyon became estranged from Dr. Jekyll. What does this indicate about Lanyon’s character? 2. Why is Utterson so obsessed with images from Enfield’s story about Hyde that he cannot sleep? 3. Once Utterson confronts Hyde, how does he feel toward him? What reasons does Utterson give for his feelings about Hyde? In Utterson’s response to Hyde, what does Stevenson tell us about Hyde? 4. Why doesn’t Stevenson ever tell us what Hyde’s face looks like? 5. Describe the appearance of the street and house in which Dr. Jekyll lives. What can we infer about Dr. Jekyll from this setting? 6. Utterson’s speculation on Jekyll’s connection to Hyde makes him reflect on his own vices and failings. What could Stevenson be implying about human nature in Utterson’s reflection?

Chapter 3: Dr Jekyll was Quite at Ease 1. How does Jekyll describe Lanyon? What does this suggest about Jekyll’s feelings about his own abilities? 2. What does Jekyll ask of Utterson at the end of the chapter? Why does Utterson have strong misgivings about this request?

Chapter 4: The Carew Murder Case 1. What is revealed about the levels of Victorian society in the first page of this chapter? 2. How is Hyde described as he kills Sir Danvers Carew? How does this image fit with the other physical descriptions Stevenson has given of Hyde? 3. As Utterson takes the police officer to arrest Hyde, Stevenson gives a vivid description of “the dismal quarter of Soho” where Hyde lives. What is the effect of this description on our mood? What is the effect of this description on our understanding of Hyde? 4. Why do you think that Utterson feels “a terror of the law and the law’s officers”? 5. Is there any significance in the fact that although Hyde’s specific facial features cannot be recognized, everyone remembers the sense of deformity he conveyed?

Chapter 5: Incident of the Letter1. Dr. Jekyll is a changed man when Utterson greets him in this chapter compared to the last time Utterson saw him. What accounts for this change? 2. What lesson do you think Jekyll has learned?

Chapter 6: The Remarkable Incident of Dr Lanyon1. Contrast the earlier description of Dr Lanyon (in ‘Search for Mr Hyde’ Chpt 2) with the description of him in

this chapter.2. What is it that frightens Dr Lanyon? What does Stevenson suggest he has learnt more about what he says

that ‘if we knew all we would be glad’ to die?

3. Track the changes in Dr Jekyll through this chapter.4. Where and why does the symbol of the locked door reappear in this chapter?5. Find another example of something being locked or sealed against Mr Utterson.

Chapter 7: Incident at the Window1. Find one way in which the weather reflects characters’ emotions in this chapter.2. How does Stevenson hint that the expression of Dr Jekyll’s face terrifies Enfield and Utterson?3. What does Utterson say his reaction was to meeting Hyde? What similarities can you find between the

men’s reaction to this incident and their reaction to Mr Hyde?

Chapter 8: The Last NightThis chapter is unique in that it deviates from the “episodic” structure and recounts several different episodes wrapped up in one night.

1. Why does Poole come to see Utterson?2. What is the first thing Poole and Utterson notice has changed about Jekyll?3. What does Poole say the man in the lab has been doing for the past week and why is Poole certain that the

man in the lab is not Dr. Jekyll?4. What does Utterson believe has happened to Jekyll?5. How many tries does it take to break the door down? What might this difficulty symbolise?6. What do the men immediately notice about the room once they break down the door? Who do they find

inside? What has happened to him?7. How is the will in the lab different from the original will? What does the note from Jekyll instruct Utterson

to do?

Chapter 9 “Dr. Lanyon’s Narrative”1. How does the messenger taunt Lanyon after he has created his mixture of ingredients?2. What does Lanyon actually witness?3. What happens to Lanyon after he witnesses the strange event?4. What caused Lanyon to become mortally ill? Has Stevenson sufficiently prepared us for the disastrous

effect of Jekyll’s revelations? Why did Stevenson need to kill Lanyon off for purposes of plot?5. Why did Jekyll want to reveal his transformation to Dr. Lanyon?

Chapter 10 “Henry Jekyll’s Full Statement of The Case”1. What led to Dr. Jekyll’s “profound duplicity of life”? 2. What does Jekyll mean when he says that man is “truly two” and that “in the agonized womb of

consciousness, these polar twins should be continuously struggling”?3. Why did Jekyll enjoy being Hyde? In other words, what aspects of Hyde’s persona were attractive to Jekyll?4. Was Jekyll ever able not to feel guilty for the sins of Hyde? Why or why not?5. Jekyll describes his descent from the undignified to the monstrous. What caused this descent?6. What are the main reasons that Jekyll tries to cast off his Hyde nature forever?7. Why does Jekyll’s lower nature come to dominate him?8. Why does Hyde commit suicide?9. What morals or lessons can we draw from the strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

3 Steps for Analysing Quotationse.g. “Mr Hyde shrank back with a hissing intake of breath.”

1. Break the sentence down – look at the meaning and connotations of individual words, techniques and phrases, as well as the whole sentence

“shrank back” – suggests that Hyde fears discovery, has connotations of secrecy and hiding. “hissing” – use of onomatopoeia, which suggests that he is hissing in pain – as though the thought

of discovery is physically painful for him.

2. Think about what the whole sentence suggests

This quote shows that Hyde does not want to be discovered, especially by Utterson.

3. Comment on the context of the quotation

This first meeting with Hyde effectively emphasises the themes of secrecy and discovery that run throughout the novel, as well as heavily implies classic behaviours of addiction in Hyde’s need to remain hidden.

The painful reaction he has to discovery highlights the mysterious nature of his character, and cleverly foreshadows the pain and destruction that is still to come.

Key Quotations

• “The last good influence in the lives down-going men” (p5) characterisation, foreshadowing

• “The door... was blistered and distained.” (p6) Hyde’s characterisation and symbolism.

• “The man trampled calmly over the child’s body and left her screaming on the ground” (p7) Characterisation of Hyde, contrast

• “No gentleman but wishes to avoid a scene” (p7)- foreshadowing of Jekyll’s behaviour, themes of reputation and hypocrisy (he bribes them), Hyde’s characterisation

• “My man was a fellow that nobody could have to do with... the gentleman the very pink of the properties” (p8) characterisation, contrast, theme of dualism

• “You start a question and it’s like starting a stone.” (P8) Foreshadows Utterson’s questioning of who Mr Hyde is. Enfield says this, but it is key to Utterson’s characterisation and the novel’s narrative structure.

• “He was an extraordinary looking man yet I really can name nothing out the way” (p9) characterisation of Hyde, theme of dualism

• “This document had long been the lawyer’s eyesore. It offended him as a lawyer and as a lover of the sane.” (p11) Utterson’s characterisation (he is driven by his distaste at Jekyll’s will)

• “It is more than ten years since Henry Jekyll became too fanciful for me... I have seen Devilish little of the man.” (P12) Characterisation of Jekyll, Foreshadowing and Theme of Dualism

• “His imagination was also engaged or rather enslaved” - (p13) characterisation of Utterson, plot structure

• “If he be Mr Hyde... I shall be Mr Seek” (p14) characterisation of Utterson and plot structure

• “Mr Hyde was pale and dwarfish” (p15) characterisation of Hyde

• “My poor old Harry Jekyll. If I ever read Satan’s signature upon a face, it is on that of your new friend.” (p16) characterisation of Jekyll and Hyde, theme of dualism

• “Ay, it must be that. The ghost of some old sin, the cancer of some concealed disgrace.” (p17) characterisation of Jekyll, Hyde, theme of beast in man, theme of dualism, foreshadowing

• “The moment I choose, I can be rid of Hyde.” -(p19). Jekyll’s characterisation, themes of drugs, dualism

• “A fog rolled over the city” (p20) pathetic fallacy

• “Ape-like fury” p20 theme of beast in man

• “Here, for a moment, the Do would be quite broken up and a haggard glimpse of daylight would appear between the swirling wreaths.” p22 pathetic fallacy

• “The dismal quarter of Soho” p22 symbolism

• “Unexpressed deformity” p23 characterisation of Hyde, themes of dualism and beast in man

• “The fog began to lie thickly” p24 pathetic fallacy

• “The smile was struck from his face and succeeded by an expression of a such abject terror as froze the very blood of the two gentlemen below.” p33

• “We have come too late... whether to save or to punish.” p41 Characterisation of Jekyll, Hyde, Utterson and literally all of the themes.

• “The hatred is Hyde for Jekyll was of a different order.” p65

Preparing Your Quotations

Quotation Themes/Techniques Connected To

Context What it tells us about the novel as a whole.

“man is not truly one, but truly two”

Themes of dualism, good vs. evil, beast in man.

Jekyll writes these words in his Full Statement of the Case. They express his horror.

It encapsulates Stevenson’s message. None of us is wholly good or wholly bad.

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Example Ten Mark Question

It was by this time about nine in the morning, and the first fog of the season. A great chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven, but the wind was continually charging and routing these embattled vapours; so that as the cab crawled from street to street, Mr. Utterson beheld a marvellous number of degrees and hues of twilight; for here it would be dark like the back-end of evening; and there would be a glow of a rich, lurid brown, like the light of some strange conflagration; and here, for a moment, the fog would be quite broken up, and a haggard shaft of daylight would glance in between the swirling wreaths.

The dismal quarter of Soho seen under these changing glimpses, with its muddy ways, and slatternly passengers, and its lamps, which had never been extinguished or had been kindled afresh to combat this mournful reinvasion of darkness, seemed, in the lawyer’s eyes, like a district of some city in a nightmare. The thoughts of his mind, besides, were of the gloomiest dye; and when he glanced at the companion of his drive, he was conscious of some touch of that terror of the law and the law’s officers, which may at times assail the most honest.

As the cab drew up before the address indicated, the fog lifted a little and showed him a dingy street, a gin palace, a low French eating house, a shop for the retail of penny numbers and twopenny salads, many ragged children huddled in the doorways, and many women of many different nationalities passing out, key in hand, to have a morning glass; and the next moment the fog settled down again upon that part, as brown as umber, and cut him off from his blackguardly surroundings. This was the home of Henry Jekyll’s favourite; of a man who was heir to a quarter of a million sterling.

An ivory-faced and silvery-haired old woman opened the door. She had an evil face, smoothed by hypocrisy: but her manners were excellent. Yes, she said, this was Mr. Hyde’s, but he was not at home; he had been in that night very late, but he had gone away again in less than an hour; there was nothing strange in that; his habits were very irregular, and he was often absent; for instance, it was nearly two months since she had seen him till yesterday.

“Very well, then, we wish to see his rooms,” said the lawyer; and when the woman began to declare it was impossible, “I had better tell you who this person is,” he added. “This is Inspector Newcomen of Scotland Yard.”

A flash of odious joy appeared upon the woman’s face.

“Ah!” said she, “he is in trouble! What has he done?”

Mr. Utterson and the inspector exchanged glances.

“He don’t seem a very popular character,” observed the latter. “And now, my good woman, just let me and this gentleman have a look about us.”

In the whole extent of the house, which but for the old woman remained otherwise empty, Mr. Hyde had only used a couple of rooms; but these were furnished with luxury and good taste. A closet was filled with wine; the plate was of silver, the napery elegant; a good picture hung upon the walls, a gift (as Utterson supposed) from Henry Jekyll, who was much of a connoisseur; and the carpets were of many plies and agreeable in colour. At this moment, however, the rooms bore every mark of having been recently and hurriedly ransacked; clothes lay about the floor, with their pockets inside out; lock-fast drawers stood open; and on the hearth there lay a pile of grey ashes, as though many papers had been burned. From these embers the inspector disinterred the butt end of a green cheque book, which had resisted the action of the fire; the other half of the stick was found behind the door; and as this clinched his suspicions, the

officer declared himself delighted. A visit to the bank, where several thousand pounds were found to be lying to the murderer’s credit, completed his gratification.

“You may depend upon it, sir,” he told Mr. Utterson: “I have him in my hand. He must have lost his head, or he never would have left the stick or, above all, burned the cheque book. Why, money’s life to the man. We have nothing to do but wait for him at the bank, and get out the handbills.”

This last, however, was not so easy of accomplishment; for Mr. Hyde had numbered few familiars -even the master of the servant maid had only seen him twice; his family could nowhere be traced; he had never been photographed; and the few who could describe him differed widely, as common observers will. Only on one point were they agreed; and that was the haunting sense of unexpressed deformity with which the fugitive impressed his beholders.

By referring to this extract, and elsewhere in the novel, how Stevenson does use setting to create mystery and fear? 10 marks

Example 10 Mark Answer

Step 1Mention the specific area of commonality and include what sections of the novel you will be discussing. (2 marks)

Stevenson uses setting to create mystery and fear, both in the extract and in the rest of the novella, basing the entire story in the seemingly divided city of London.

In this extract, Stevenson uses setting to describe Soho, and the darkness and vice it represents, mirroring the traits of Mr Hyde who resides there.

In the rest of the novel, Stevenson uses the setting to reflect key themes, such as the duality of man, furthering the mystery surrounding the link between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Step 2Quote from the extract in front of you and link to the question – mention techniques and effect. (1 mark) x 2

In the extract, Stevenson creates fear through the foreboding description ‘a great chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven’.

A ‘pall’ connotes funerals and death, mirroring the death that has just occurred. This pathetic fallacy emphasises the fear of the readers, making them feel uneasy as the area seems unsafe. Both ‘chocolate’ and ‘heaven’ have positive connotations however they are contrasted by the ‘pall’, frightening the readers as it seems even in the weather, dark forces are at play. Upon second reading, one might argue that the ‘pall’ also foreshadows the two other deaths that are to come however first-time readers are unaware of this, creating a sense of mystery.

Further in the extract, Stevenson creates mystery and fear, describing the setting as ‘like a district of some city in a nightmare’.

This simile evokes fear amongst the readers as ‘a nightmare’ suggests something hellish could happen here. The mention of a nightmare links to Utterson’s nightmare in chapter 2. In the

nightmare, Stevenson writes ‘through wider labyrinths of lamp-lighted city’. The adjective ‘lamp-lighted’ gives the readers a feeling of safety as people often assume that nothing bad can happen in the light. However this is contrasted by the word ‘labyrinths’ which connotes being trapped and out of control, just as Jekyll is becoming increasingly trapped within his Hyde persona.

Step 3Quote and/or make specific reference to another part of the novel and link to the question – again, mention techniques and their effect. (1 mark) x 6

In the first chapter of the novel, Stevenson uses the setting of the door to create fear. Stevenson writes that the door was ‘blistered and distained’ and yet it was in a neighbourhood that ‘shone out like a fire in a forest’.

The great contrast between the door and its surrounding immediately create a sense of mystery for the contemporary readers who would be shocked to see the door in a reputable area. Reputation was incredibly important for Victorians, and the simile ‘like a fire in a forest’ presents the neighbourhood as radiant and lively as it brings light to the area. However, behind the door lies Hyde’s quarters, and the way the entry has become dilapidated and rundown could also be symbolic of his own corruption.

Earlier in chapter 4, Stevenson creates fear when the setting is described as ‘brilliantly lit by the full moon’.

The adverb ‘brilliantly’ implies the setting was beautiful and the light connotes goodness and safety. However Stevenson then writes about Hyde murdering Carew with ‘ape-like fury’ in this very setting, alarming the readers as they assume bad things cannot happen when the setting is pleasant so this danger is unexpected. This links to the theme of urban terror and the growing fear among Victorians that there was unseen evil in their society.

In Chapter 5, Stevenson makes use of pathetic fallacy to build a sense of mystery and uncertainty which runs throughout the novel, stating “The fog still slept on the wing above the drowned city.”

The fog which Stevenson describes creates a portrayal of London as a place of uncertainty and fear – just as its inhabitants cannot see through the fog, Jekyll’s friends cannot see the darkness which corrupts him, and the truth behind Mr Hyde’s relationship with him, until it is too late. It also symbolises Jekyll’s desperate need to keep his indulgences in the darker side of his nature secret.

Earlier in the novel, Stevenson also uses setting as a means of exploring one of the key themes of the novel: the duality of man. He describes Jekyll’s neighbourhood, saying “…there was a square of ancient, handsome houses, now for the most part decayed from their high estate and let in flats and chambers to all sorts and conditions of men.”

Here, Stevenson emphasises how Jekyll, like his neighbourhood, has begun to become corrupted by the darker side of humanity – the decay of these once respectable houses mirrors the decay of Jekyll’s sense of morality, as he continues to indulge in the darker side of his nature through his outings as Hyde.

Setting is also used to describe the reaction of characters to the mystery of Hyde. Mr Utterson is haunted by Enfield’s story of the trampling of the little girl, and later that night Stevenson says “…he lay and tossed in the gross darkness of the night and the curtained room…”

The “gross darkness” that Stevenson describes immediately creates a sense of fear, as it echoes the darkness in Hyde that we discover more about as the novel goes on – it also echoes the duality of man, with Hyde representing the darker side of Jekyll’s self. Even the curtain mirrors the wider themes of the novel, foreshadowing Jekyll’s desperate need for secrecy as he indulges in this violent and brutal behaviour.

In the final chapter, Stevenson uses setting emphasise how the darker side of Jekyll has become stronger, the more he indulges in it, as Jekyll describes waking in Jekyll’s house, still in the form of Mr Hyde: ”I recognised the pattern of bed curtains and the design of the mahogany frame…my eye fell upon my hand…it was the hand of Edward Hyde.”

This shocking moment shows how the darker side of Jekyll is now encroaching on his ore respectable side – as Hyde grows stronger, Jekyll becomes less powerful, and in invading this respectable space, Hyde emphasises how this corruption, darkness and brutality is slowly taking over Jekyll and his attempts to keep his two sides separate. Here, Stevenson explores the duality of man, and seems to say that, while they may be two separate sides, they ultimately belong to one man.

Final Revision QuestionsAnswer with specific reference to the novel.

1. What is the function of Lanyon in the novel?2. How does Utterson perceive the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde for most of the novel? Is his

interpretation understandable? What are the limits of his knowledge?3. Paying particular attention to Stevenson’s descriptions of the city at night, discuss how Stevenson

uses descriptive passages to evoke a mood of dread.4. Discuss the narrative approach in the novel. What characterizes the way that events are reported?

How does this method of narrative contribute to the thematic development of the novel?5. Analyse the different stages of Jekyll’s experimentation with the Hyde persona. How do his feelings

regarding the transformations change?6. How does Jekyll interpret his relationship to Hyde? Do you agree with his understanding? Why or

why not?7. Examine the role of the minor characters in the novel, including Lanyon, Enfield, Carew, and Poole.

How does Utterson’s connection to each of these men serve to advance the plot?8. At one point in the novel, Hyde is described as a “troglodyte.” To what does this term refer? What

was its significance in Victorian England? How does it relate to the themes of the novel?9. Why do you think Stevenson chose to tell the story from Utterson’s point of view rather than use

Jekyll’s from the beginning? How does this choice increase the suspense of the novel?

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Practice Paper

In this extract, Jekyll recounts when it became clear that the darker side of his nature is gradually taking over, as he suddenly transforms into Hyde whilst sitting in a park.

There comes an end to all things; the most capacious measure is filled at last; and this brief condescension to my evil finally destroyed the balance of my soul. And yet I was not alarmed; the fall seemed natural, like a return to the old days before I had made my discovery.

It was a fine, clear, January day, wet under foot where the frost had melted, but cloudless overhead; and the Regent’s Park was full of winter chirrupings and sweet with spring odours. I sat in the sun on a bench; the animal within me licking the chops of memory; the spiritual side a little drowsed, promising subsequent penitence, but not yet moved to begin. After all, I reflected, I was like my neighbours; and then I smiled, comparing myself with other men, comparing my active good-will with the lazy cruelty of their neglect. And at the very moment of that vainglorious thought, a qualm came over me, a horrid nausea and the most deadly shuddering. These passed away, and left me faint; and then as in its turn faintness subsided, I began to be aware of a change in the temper of my thoughts, a greater boldness, a contempt of danger, a solution of the bonds of obligation. I looked down; my clothes hung formlessly on my shrunken limbs; the hand that lay on my knee was corded and hairy. I was once more Edward Hyde. A moment before I had been safe of all men’s respect, wealthy, beloved the cloth laying for me in the dining-room at home; and now I was the common quarry of mankind, hunted, houseless, a known murderer, thrall to the gallows.

My reason wavered, but it did not fail me utterly. I have more than once observed that in my second character, my faculties seemed sharpened to a point and my spirits more tensely elastic; thus it came about that, where Jekyll perhaps might have succumbed, Hyde rose to the importance of the moment. My drugs were in one of the presses of my cabinet; how was I to reach them? That was the problem that (crushing my temples in my hands) I set myself to solve. The laboratory door I had closed. If I sought to enter by the house, my own servants would consign me to the gallows. I saw I must employ another hand, and thought of Lanyon. How was he to be reached? how persuaded? Supposing that I escaped capture in the streets, how was I to make my way into his presence? and how should I, an unknown and displeasing visitor, prevail on the famous physician to rifle the study of his colleague, Dr. Jekyll? Then I remembered that of my original character, one part remained to me: I could write my own hand; and once I had conceived that kindling spark, the way that I must follow became lighted up from end to end.

1. Look at paragraph 1. By referring to Stevenson’s use of language, explain how the January weather is used symbolically here. 2

2. Look at paragraph 2. Explain how Stevenson’s use of language describes the growing strength of the darker side of his nature. 4

3. Look at paragraph 3. By referring to Stevenson’s use of language, explain how Stevenson describes Jekyll’s reaction to this sudden transformation. 4

4. With reference to this extract and to elsewhere in the novel, show how the writer explores the contrast between Jekyll and Hyde. 10