J+H context/writing techniques

Question 1

what were upper-class gentlemen like in Victorian period?

Answer 1

• main characters in novella almost all upper-class gentlemen
• were generally expected to be respectable and morally upright
• kept their emotions under control and hid desires for supposedly immoral things (sex, alcohol)
• but they indulged in this behaviour behind closed doors

Question 2

what was Victorian London like?

Answer 2

• post-industrial revolution, overcrowding, reputation for crime and immorality, pollution, poverty
• strong class divide - for every ‘dismal’ soho house, there was an upper-class area with pleasant, well-furnished houses like Jekyll’s

Question 3

what were attitudes towards religion in the Victorian period?

Answer 3

• deeply religious society - Evangelicalism influential at this time; taught that humans were naturally sinful and should seek forgiveness from god by following a strict moral code
• scientific thinking increasingly influential - eg Darwin’s theory of evolution (this was particularly unsettling, not just because it disagreed with the church but because it may suggest that an animalistic side is still within us)
• contradictions between science and religion

Question 4

what are some important features of the gothic?

Answer 4

focus on shocking and frightening, often including supernatural elements, disturbing secrets and the ‘double’ (pair of characters who are closely connected and share significant similarities or differences)

Question 5

How does J+H treat the gothic genre?

Answer 5

by transplanting traditional gothic ideas, usually taking place in faraway countries, into london, the novella suggests that supernatural and scary events can happen anywhere and to anyone

Question 6

how is the theme of reputation presented in J+H?

Answer 6

• victorian gentlemen cared deeply about their reputation because tarnishing it could lead to losing the social advantages of being a gentleman - eg access to better jobs and better quality of life
• the characters behave in a way that puts reputation first eg don’t discuss private matters directly, so the truth about hyde doesn’t get discovered until it’s too late
• when things go wrong, characters worry about the effect on their reputation rather than whether their actions are morally good

Question 7

what is suggested about duality in J+H?

Answer 7

• humans are just one singular personality; everyone has two sides and the darker side can’t be ignored or escaped, as this can lead to catastrophic consequences
• this dark side exists in the most respectable of gentlemen - it is hypocritical for the victorian audience to appear outwardly respectable, while ignoring or hiding their darker side

Question 8

how is secrecy used in J+H?

Answer 8

• plot is driven by a big secret - Jekyll and Hyde
• small unresolved mysteries throughout - contents of Utterson’s letter from Carew
• overall atmosphere of secrecy adding to sense of intrigue
• emphasises no one, however moral, is without secrets

Question 9

what is suggested about science and religion in J+H?

Answer 9

• science is unsettling: jekyll’s change into hyde is painful and hideous, lanyon’s horrified reaction; science is described as unnatural and without limits as it is able to create hyde
• science is powerful: jekyll’s science experiments lead to death and destruction
• jekyll tries to use science to solve the problem that all humans are sinners but lanyon keeps science and religion separate and is horrifies by jekyll’s heresies
• jekyll is hypocritical; he’s religious in public and sinful in private - stevenson used jekyll to criticise people who acted like this
• effects and consequences of dangerous new science and trying to take control of things that can’t be (ie human nature)
• new science is not itself evil, it may be used without care for others

Question 10

describe the structure and narrative voice of J+H.

Answer 10

• 3rd person, but closely follows Utterson’s POV
• Utterson’s narrative is told chronologically so secrets are kept from the reader until Utterson discovers them
• written documents and embedded narratives are included in the linear narrative, adding a sense of realism
• lanyon and jekyll’s first person accounts are placed at the end so the reader is kept in suspense throughout

Question 11

how is symbolism used in J+H?

Answer 11

• locked doors and windows symbolise the secrecy in upper-victorian society
• jekyll’s house, like jekyll, is split in two with a darker side linked directly to the respectable frontage which has an ‘air of wealth’
• hyde’s soho house is well-furnished, symbolising the presence of respectable gentlemen in disreputable parts of london
• the cane - a symbol of a gentleman but is used to commit violence, showing what upper-class gentlemen are capable of and that they enable this in each other (Utterson gives it to Jekyll)
• Jekyll’s cheque book; symbolises the role of money in society - jekyll burns it after murdering carew as money can’t solve all his problems
• the mirror; shows connection between Jekyll and Hyde
• lanyon symbolises old science. through him stevenson explores:
  
  • downfall of religion and traditional science
  • transgression against religion can cause divine retribution
  • people relied on religion - it is scary for it to be taken away
  • the hatred and ignorance of new discoveries was not only foolish but a part of human nature to be frightened of new discoveries (origin of species)
  • people relied on religion - scary for it to be taken away
  • danger of knowledge

Question 12

how is descriptive language used in J+H?

Answer 12

• often uses descriptive and figurative language, especially when describing setting - dark and foggy, eerie streets create a sense of fear
• the moon (often linked to supernatural events) is used to highlight key moments; Carew’s death is lit by a full moon, the moon is ‘lying on her back’ when Jekyll is confronted
• weather seems to be working against the characters; when Utterson visits Soho the fog ‘cuts him off’
• fog symbolises secrecy; jekyll’s lab is foggy even though it’s indoors

Question 13

how is speech and dialogue used in J+H?

Answer 13

• used to establish character - eg utterson and jekyll speak politely and avoid mentioning unpleasant subjects to reflect their gentlemanly status
• jekyll is sometimes unwilling or unable to speak, reflecting how he is trapped in his situation
• hyde’s dialogue contrasts with the others - often animalistic or inhuman - rude and direct