Chapter 2 Flashcards
“pale and dwarfish” Uttersons description of Hyde
-echoes Enfield’s description ‘little man’
-in reference to the pseudo-science of physiognomy
-Hyde could be so small as he [the immoral and violent side of Jekyll] has been repressed by Jekyll therefore stunting his growth
-alternatively, Hyde’s dwarfish nature could connote the victorian fears (due the obscurity of the turning of the century-Fin de Siècle ) that the advancement of science and medicine (such as the growing popularity of Charles Darwins theory of Evolution which seemed contrast a key belief in Christianity -creationism ) could in turn have an effect on the nation
-a prominent fear at the time was regression to the primitive stage of development -the homo Habilis who are noted to be smaller and simpler than humans
-Stevenson could be warning the consequences the fast societal development
‘hardly human!something troglodytic’ [Utterson’s description of Hyde]
-Utterson refers to Hyde as a troglodyte( cave-dwelling early form of man)
-his extreme disgust towards Hyde
-the repetition of ‘something’ in relation to Hyde’s appearance (as seen in Chapter 1) creates an incessant air of ambiguity
church clock rang at 12 when he would go “soberly and gratefully to bed”
-religion conducts not only his morality but also subtly influences every aspect of his life whilst sacrificing his autonomy
-Mr Utterson is controlled not just by the social conventions but also the dominating force of religion
“great air of wealth and comfort”
-the nouns wealth and comfort invokes a sense of substantial luxury and could represent Jekyll’s position in society as a well respected gentleman
-alternatively symbolises Jekyll’s outwardly upright persona and perhaps his superego(his moral conscience which is predominantly dictated by the obligations of his status)
-the seemingly separate but connected buildings could also mirror the hidden yet inexplicable relationship between Jekyll and Hyde and therefore the ambiguity between pure good and pure evil
