Ch 2 Quotes Flashcards
“unscientific balderdash”
His tone of contempt in the dismissive
‘balderdash’ (meaning ‘nonsense) shows how Lanyon despises Jekyll’s experiments.
He sees them as verging on the supernatural and as such rejects them.
The Victorian era saw huge advances in scientific knowledge and, although this was exciting, the pushing of scientific boundaries also led to anxiety and fear. Lanyon’s cautious reaction to Jekyll’s experiments reflects these concerns.
“murderous mixture of timidity and boldness”
There is antithesis and conflict between “timidity” and “boldness” which mirrors the internal conflict. Alliteration of “murderous mixture” could suggest this behaviour is intrinsic and instrictive to his very being, and also refers to the literal murder he commits of Sir Carew. This also provides depth to Mr Hyde’s character
“all these points were against him, but not all of these together could explain the … unknown disgust, loathing and fear with which Mr. Utterson regarded him.”There must be something else”
Hyde is acknowledged as possibly evil, possibly disabled and possibly capable of murder, yet even in recognizing all three factors, Utterson feels there is something else that is disturbing him. - Once Utterson realizes all three of these things are true about Hyde, his fears have been legitimized, over Hyde’s threat. - Alternatively, Perhaps this “something else” cannot be found in the character of Mr. Hyde at all, but in Mr. Utterson himself, in ourselves. If the combination of evil, disability and inability to be controlled does not fully explain the viewer’s fear, could it be then that the possibility of uncontrolled evil in all of us causes the multi-layered fear of Mr. Hyde? Perhaps, it is not Mr. Hyde we’re scared of at all, but the parts of ourselves we fail to recognize, yet know we contain.
“If he be Mr Hyde, … I shall be Mr Seek”
Utterson is a curious, inquisitive member of society - this quote displays the insatiable curiosity intrinsic to Utterson’s character which propels the plot of the novella forwards, which is fuelled by his desire to ensure the safety of his client and friend Jekyll.
“ancient” & “Handsome” “an air of great wealth and comfort”
Jekyll’s home exterior is described using these adjectives to suggest reliability and respectability. Also, the abstract nouns reflect doctor Jekyll’s profession and social status. The appearance of the house links to the importance of appearance in Victorian society. As it is the front of the house, it also remind the reader of how good appearances can be superficial
the hallway is “warmed… by a bright open fire”
Interior of Jekyll’s house: adjectives like “bright” and “open” suggest goodness, friendliness and honesty
“a menace in the flickering of the firelight”
Interior of Jekyll’s house: Stevenson is foreshadowing the corruption of Jekyll’s character, and that even the extravagances of his luxurious Victorian home has darkness seeping through
