Analysis of chapter 1 Flashcards
Story of the Door
True or False? Utterson and Enfield usually only see each other once a month.
False. Utterson and Enfield usually go for walks together once a week, on Sundays.
What time of day does Enfield say it was when he first saw Hyde?
Enfield says it was “about three o’clock” in the morning. He says he was on his way home “some place at the end of the world”.
Give some evidence from this chapter that shows Utterson and Enfield don’t like to pry into other people’s business
Enfield tells Utterson that “the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask”. Utterson agrees with this view, telling him that it’s a “very good rule”.
Stevenson describes Utterson and Enfield’s walks as silent, with both men saying “nothing”. Why do you think he includes this detail?
The silence draws attention to Enfield story about Hyde trampling the girl, because it is a change from their usual behaviour. This makes the story seem important and unusual, as it’s worth breaking the silence for.
Explain how Stevenson makes Hyde’s building seem like an unpleasant place to live.
- Stevenson describes the building
as being “sinister”, which creates
an unsettling atmosphere that
makes the building seem like a
frightening place to live in. - Stevenson describes the door as
“blistered and distained”. His use of
multiple negative adjectives
emphasises that the house is
neglected and unsightly. - The fact that the house has “
neither bell nor knocker” suggests
it doesn’t receive many visitors,
which makes the building seem
unwelcoming.
Enfield tells Utterson that Hyde trampled “calmly” over a girl. What does this show about Hyde’s attitude towards violence?
The adverb “calmly” shows how easily Hyde commits acts of violence
How does the doctor react to seeing Hyde?
The doctor is strongly affected by Hyde’s presence, even turning “sick and white with the desire to kill” him.
What explanation does Enfield come up with for Hyde having a cheque from Jekyll?
A. They are related
B. Hyde stole it.
C. Hyde is blackmailing Jekyll
Enfield believes that Jekyll is having to pay for the “capers of his youth”-he thinks that Hyde must be blackmailing Jekyll.
The reader is first introduced to Hyde through Enfield’s story. What effect does this have?
By introducing Hyde through Enfield’s story, Stevenson allows the reader to form an impression of Hyde before he appears in the narrative. For example, Enfield says there is “something downright detestable” about him, but is unable to actually describe his appearance. This creates anticipation for the reader, because they are expecting Hyde to be a mysterious and unusual character.
How does Stevenson make the event of Hyde trampling the girl seem horrifying? Explain your answer.
- Stevenson uses the strong
adjectives “horrible” and “hellish”
when Enfield is describing the
event. These make the situation
seem horrifying by showing
Enfield’s distress. - Stevenson uses sensory language when he says that the girl was “screaming”. This emphasises the child’s pain, which is horrifying to the reader.
