Dr Jekyll Key Characters Flashcards
How is Jekylls relationship with religion shown
Has a turbulent relationship with religion- ‘ he was now less distinguished for religion’ however turn to God for redemption ‘clasped hands to God’
Who is Jekylls character influenced from
William Brodie: He was a member of the towm council and was well respected in Edinburgh. He fixed locks on people’s furniture and bad access to peoples houses leading to s double life (dualityof human nature)
John Hunter: Doctor of high status well regarded within his friends. Has a large house to throw fancy parties although the other side of his house contained Hunter’s soedimens and student’s accomodation which backed into an alley where grave robbers provided him with bodies to experiment on. Stevenson bases Jekyll’s house on Hunter’s
How is Jekyll seen a moral and honourable
Jekyll seen as reputable high class person in society however is shown to engage in some questionable behaviour as a child- ‘Black-mail … capers of the youth’ (homosexuality- can only indulge this behaviour as a teenager not accepted if you were an adult)
Jekylls relationship with other characters
Lanyon- Jekylls entrusts him with the secrets of Hyde although they disagree on the usuage of the science (Lanyon seen as more religious)
Utterson- both have a strong relationship. Utterson’s curiousity if his friend leads him to uncover the case. Utterson is neutral and cares for his friend and Jekyll is seem to show gratitude despite his growing isolation
Hyde- power imbalances and Hyde gains control over Jekyll to propel the narrative. The slowly bedome one as plot progresses.
Context of Dr Jekyll
Well respected doctor based on 19th cent individuals (william Brodie and John Hunter) however had a dual nature.
Jekyll creates Hyde to act out on his is thoughts and to go against societal rules that were taboo
However, as the plot progresses Jekyll loses control and becomes more isolated as Hyde begins to invoke fear and terror in society eventually leading to Jekylls death (suicide)
Dr Lanyon context
Voices the scientific skepticism which contrasts Jekylls experimental attitude
Acts as a foil to Jekyll
Lanyon focuses on science which co-exists with religion unlike Jekyll
Charcteristics of Lanyon
Stubborn- Utterson remains a good friend and loyal to Jekyll. Lanyon sticksnro his religious beliefs and morals and distances himself from Jekyll as he becomes Hyde- values rationality and integrity
Relationships of Lanyon:
Dr Jekyll- lanyon and Jekyll has a disagreement over the ‘unscientific balderdash’ experiments with and their friendship is ruined.
Lanyon prefers materialstic science over Jekyll’s metaphysical
Lanyon acts as a foil to Jekyll demonstrating the extremes of scientific practice and belief
Utterson- Lanyon writes Utterson an account of the incident of Jekylls transformation shows they have a good relationship. This is also shown in ‘we are three very old friends, Lanyon’ Utterson is a common bond between Jekyll and Layon which also displays his unbalanced role as the lawyer.
Context of Enfield
He is a neutral character although is one of the key driving force in the plot. He introduces Hyde ro Utterson in the story of the door leafing to his investigation. He has morals by making sure Hyde compensates and isn’t curious of him
Divided Edinburgh: Enfield links to the context of Stevenson’s hometown (old and new town) theme of duality. He has a reputable life but also one which is hidden
Characteristics of Enfield
Morally dubious: Perfect victorian gentleman and to taint his reputation although he gossips with Utterson (dual nature). ‘I was coming home from some place … three o’clock’- secrecy shown by the lack of specifics and the late time represents dual nature
Uninterested- Enfield appears to think none more of the story about Hyde unlike Utterson. This implies his lack of interest in the situation regards his role has a victorian gentleman
Relationships of Enfield
Utterson- Mr Enfield maintains a good relationship despite him acting as a foil to him (both contrast each other)
Context of Hyde
Violent alter-ego of Jekyll. He begins to gain more control as the novel progresses eventually leading to Jekyll’s death
Hydes apperarance used to emphasise his criminality
Hyde represents elements of masculine traits that Victorian society concealed if he is Mr Hyde, I will be Mr Seek’
Stevenson warns readers of fast societal develpment (devolution) which fears the Victorian readers. This is shown through Hyde’s ‘troglydytic’ and ‘ape-like’ form.
Characteristics of Hyde
Volatile- ‘flush of anger’- Hyde embodies the id mind (no thoughts or consequences) shown by the trampling of the girl and murder of Sir Danvers Carewand envokes hatred into others ‘never saw a man I so disliked’
Violent- brutal murdering of Sir Carew with a cane as well as trampling a young girl without reason. This is shown in the murder of Carew when he doesn’t even steal anything ‘money’ or a ‘gold watch’
Animalistic- ‘the creature’- ‘savage laugh’-‘ hissing intake’-‘troglydtic’
Relationships with Hyde
Hyde-has a key to Jekylls backdoor ; servants know him and Jekylls will goes ro Hyde. Hyde is a foil to Jekyll emphasising his positive trait and acting as a antithesis
Utterson- he takes a severe dislike towards him shown by how he suggests there is something ‘abnormal … [about] the creature’ (Hyde) however is also very curious of his relationship with Jekyll.
Enfield- Deals with Hyde after the incident however isn’t as curious about the nature of Hyde
Context of Utterson
Is a lawyer who serves as the main protagonist of the novel. He serves to be respectable and reputable. His perspective is set to provide a stable anchor point. Utterson is seen as a reliable narrator shown by his high status and profession
Law: Utterson mentioned as a lawyer many times. This connection to law may have shaped Mr Uttersons moral and relatable character for many of the wealthier members of Stevenson’s readership.
Religious impact: Routine around church bells ‘until the clock of the nighboruing church’- lives a life of morality
Victorian gentleman- Mr utterson potrayed as a Victorian gentleman, serves to emphasiss Mr Hyde’s evil and unreputable behaviour. In Victorian London going on walks maintained your public image.
