Allusions Flashcards
Which quote in the novella is an allusion to the story of Cain and Abel
‘I incline to Cain’s heresy,’ he used to say quaintly: ‘I let my brother go to the Devil in his own way,’ Chapter one
What does Utterson mean when he says ‘I incline to Cain’s heresy’ and ‘I let my brother go to the Devil in his own way’
This is an allusion to the Biblical story of Cain and Abel. God confronts Cain about Abel’s disappearance and Cain replies: ‘Am I my brother’s keeper?’
Utterson is implying that he doesn’t like to interfere in the private lives of others, no matter what they might be involved in.
What does the allusion to Cain and Able imply about Utterson’s character.
This creates considerable suspicion about his professional and moral integrity, highlighting the dubious and contradictory values of Victorian gentlemen.
Furthermore, it is important to note that Cain was also lying to God: he murdered Abel in a jealous rage.
What could the allusion to Cain and Abel also foreshadow?
Stevenson is foreshadowing Hyde’s symbolic ‘murder’ of Jekyll and also underscoring the reckless extent of Utterson’s irresponsibility, making him seem complicit in the crimes that occur.
Which quote in the novella is an allusion to a Juggernaut
‘It sounds nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see. It wasn’t like a man; it was like some damned juggernaut.’ Mr Enfield, Ch 2
What is entfield alluding to when he describes Hyde as a ‘damned Juggernaut’
He is alluding to the Hindu god Jagganath, an incarnation of Vishnu. During an annual festival, fanatical worshippers supposedly threw themselves beneath the wheels of Jagganath’s huge ritual statue as it was pulled through the streets of Puri, India.
Thus, for the contemporary Christian reader, Hyde is cast as an unstoppable - and unintelligible - heathen force of destruction.
What does Jekyll’s description of Hyde as an ‘ugly idol’ imply
Stevenson is implying that Hyde’s terrifying power is not purely repulsive: it has a mesmeric, intoxicating quality that demands submission.
This seemingly parallels Jekyll’s overwhelming lust’ - the destructive sexual violence that he is a ‘slave’ to.
