friendship Flashcards
“In this character, it was frequently his fortune to be the last reputable acquaintance and the last good influence in the lives of downgoing men.” (Chapter 1)
Utterson is described as a friend to even the most troubled of people. He is, after all, the one that investigates Dr Jekyll because he is so concerned about him and his relationship with Mr Hyde.
“We told the man we could and would make such a scandal out of this as should make his name stink from one end of London to the other. If he had any friends or any credit, we undertook that he should lose them.” (Chapter 1)
“stink from one end of London to the other” metaphor. Enfield threatens Hyde with a loss of reputation, including losing any friends he might have.
“At the sight of Mr. Utterson, he sprang up from his chair and welcomed him with both hands.” (Chapter 2)
Dr Lanyon and Utterson have a good friendship and they trust each other. This is important in terms of Utterson unveiling the truth about Jekyll and Hyde.
“But it is more than ten years since Henry Jekyll became too fanciful for me. He began to go wrong, wrong in mind; and though of course I continue to take an interest in him for old sake’s sake, as they say, I see and I have seen devilish little of the man.” (Chapter 2)
“devilish” connotations with Hyde and how Hyde is taking up Jekylls time. Dr Lanyon explains that his friendship with Dr Jekyll worsened because of Jekyll’s scientific interests.
“Or else he would see a room in a rich house, where his friend lay asleep, dreaming and smiling at his dreams; and then the door of that room would be opened, the curtains of the bed plucked apart, the sleeper recalled, and lo! there would stand by his side a figure to whom power was given, and even at that dead hour, he must rise and do its bidding.” (Chapter 2)
Utterson dreams of Jekyll somehow being controlled by Hyde. Utterson sides with Jekyll because he is his friend and is therefore instantly biased towards him.
“You could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection.” (Chapter 3)
“warm” is a contrast to Hyde. It is clear here that Dr Jekyll sees Utterson as a close friend and enjoys his friendship.
“You know I never approved of it,” pursued Utterson, ruthlessly disregarding the fresh topic.
“My will? Yes, certainly, I know that,” said the doctor, a trifle sharply. “You have told me so.” (Chapter 3)
“ruthlessly disregarding” “sharply” although he means it in friendly manner, Utterson and Jekyll are rude with the way they talk. Utterson believes he is acting in the best interests of his friend Dr Jekyll, and so it quite blunt and honest with him about the will.
“Jekyll,” said Utterson, “you know me: I am a man to be trusted. Make a clean breast of this in confidence; and I make no doubt I can get you out of it.”
“I will tell you one thing: the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde.”(Chapter 3)
Utterson asks Jekyll to reveal his secret to him in confidence, but Jekyll refuses saying he can get rid of Hyde whenever he wants.
“Mr. Hyde had numbered few familiars—even the master of the servant maid had only seen him twice; his family could nowhere be traced; he had never been photographed; and the few who could describe him differed widely, as common observers will.” (Chapter 4)
Hyde has no friends because he is so evil, therefore few people know what he looks like.
“I have buried one friend to-day,” he thought: “what if this should cost me another?” And then he condemned the fear as a disloyalty, and broke the seal.” (Chapter 6)
Even though Utterson is worried that Dr Lanyon’s letter will lead to his friend Dr Jekyll becoming tangled up in the crimes of Mr Hyde, he still decides to open it. Some things are more important than friendship.
