Analysis of chapter 5 Flashcards
Incident of the letter
True or False? Utterson usually meets Jekyll in his laboratory.
False. This is the “first time” that Utterson has been to this part of the house.
Give an example from this chapter where Jekyll is behaving strangely.
He has a “feverish manner” when he promises Hyde will never be seen again.
Why might Jekyll’s name come up in a trial?
Jekyll is known to have connections with Hyde and the stick found at the scene of the murder originally belonged to Jekyll.
How is Jekyll’s laboratory different to the rest of his house? Use examples in your answer.
- The laboratory is described as
“dingy” and “windowless”. It is dark
— the light falls “dimly” through the
“foggy cupola” (roof dome). The
house, on the other hand, is well-lit
with a “bright, open fire”. - The laboratory gives Utterson a
“distasteful sense of strangeness”.
This contrasts with the hall of
Jekyll’s house, which Utterson
describes as “the pleasantest room
in London”.
How does the letter that Jekyll gives to Utterson add to the sense of mystery surrounding Hyde? Explain your answer.
The letter is written in an “odd” hand, which signals to the reader that there is something unusual about it. The mystery increases when Guest tells Utterson that the handwriting matches Jekyll’s. This makes the reader wonder why Jekyll would write this letter for Hyde.
In this chapter, what does Utterson decide Hyde was planning to do to Jekyll?
A. Kidnap him for ransom
B. Blackmail him
C. Kill him for his money
C. Utterson tells Jekyll that he thinks Hyde “mean to murder” Jekyll. He suspects that Hyde is after Jekyll’s fortune — Utterson knows Hyde will inherit everything if Jekyll dies.
Utterson hears “newsboys” shouting about Carew’s death. Why does Carew’s murder get so much public attention?
Carew’s “high position” brings attention to the murder — he is an MP (Member of Parliament)
Why do you think Utterson tells Guest not to speak of the letter?
Utterson tells Guest not to talk about the letter to protect Jekyll’s reputation, as Utterson believes Jekyll has forged the letter for Hyde.
Jekyll tells Utterson he has “had a lesson” after Carew’s murder. What do you think Jekyll means by this? How do you think Utterson interprets Jekyll’s words?
When Jekyll says he has learnt a lesson, he means that Carew’s murder has taught him how evil Hyde really is, and how dangerous it is for him to continue turning into Hyde. He plans to stop turning into Hyde after learning this lesson. Utterson, on the other hand, doesn’t know that Jekyll and Hyde are the same person. He might think Jekyll is saying that he has learnt not to trust people like Hyde.
What impression do you get of Utterson’s relationship with Guest? Explain your answer.
Utterson has a close relationship with Guest — the text says there is “no man from whom he kept fewer secrets”, which suggests that he trusts Guest. He asks for Guest’s advice on the letter from Hyde, which might “shape his future course” of action. This shows that Utterson values his relationship with Guest, as he holds his advice in high regard.
