Jekyll and Hyde Flashcards
1
Q
“The animal within me licking the chops of memory”- Analysis:
A
- A poignant metaphor encapsulating the protagonist’s inner turmoil and the consuming nature of his darker impulses.
- The juxtaposition of “animal” and “memory” evokes primal instincts and the haunting recollection of past deeds,
- While “licking the chops” conveys a sense of indulgence and relish in revisiting these memories.
2
Q
“The animal within me licking the chops of memory”- Effect on reader:
A
- Reader- delve into the psychological complexities of the human psyche,
- Compelling them to reflect on the duality of human nature and the repercussions of succumbing to one’s inner demons.
- Prompting readers to confront their own inner conflicts.
3
Q
“I incline to Cain’s heresy,’ he used to say quaintly: ‘I let my brother go to the devil in his own way”
A
- Phrase “Cain’s heresy” draws upon biblical allusion, referencing the story of Cain and Abel from the Book of Genesis, where Cain, after murdering his brother Abel, denies responsibility for his actions. Utterson’s similar attitude of avoidance of accountability.
- Employs religious imagery- gravity of Utterson’s perspective- departure from accepted moral principles.
- The phrase “go to the devil” conveys a sense of moral decay or **destruction,- potential consequences of abandoning one’s duty to intervene.
4
Q
‘I let my brother go to the devil in his own way. ‘- Effect on reader
A
- Evoke disapproval from contemporary readers due to its perceived lack of moral accountability.
- However, modern readers might interpret it as an expression of individual autonomy and respect for personal choices
5
Q
“My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring”
A
- In this quote, Jekyl vividly depicts the unleashing of inner turmoil and conflict.
- The metaphor of the “devil” symbolizes suppressed desires or emotions, while “long caged” suggests prolonged restraint.
- The phrase “came out roaring” evokes a forceful emergence, highlighting the intensity of the release.
- This transformation underscores the theme of liberation from constraints.
6
Q
‘O my poor old Harry Jekyll, if ever I read Satan’s signature upon a face, it is on that of your new friend.”
A
- Metaphor is striking; “Satan’s signature” conjures vivid imagery of malevolence and evil, attributing Hyde with qualities emblematic of the devil himself.
- Possessive pronoun “your new friend” adds a layer of personal connection, emphasizing Jekyll’s association with Hyde.
- Reflecting Utterson’s protective attitude towards Jekyll
- This suggests a deeper entanglement with Jekyll’s alter ego than initially perceived.
7
Q
‘O my poor old Harry Jekyll, if ever I read Satan’s signature upon a face, it is on that of your new friend.”- Effect on reader
A
- Contemporary readers- reflection of Victorian society’s fear of moral corruption and the supernatural
- Additionally, modern readers might empathize with Utterson’s concern for Jekyll’s well-being, recognizing the universal theme of loyalty, struggle against inner darkness.
8
Q
“I felt younger, lighter, and happier in body”
A
- Encapsulates the euphoric sensation experienced by Jekyll upon transforming into Hyde.
- Desire to escape the constraints of Victorian society and indulge in his hidden desires.
- “Younger” suggests a rejuvenation of Jekyll’s physical form, while “lighter” conveys a sense of freedom or release from the burdens of societal expectations.
- The adjective “happier” implies a profound sense of joy or contentment- hinting at the euphoria Jekyll experiences in his transformed state.
9
Q
“I felt younger, lighter, and happier in body”
A
- Repetition of comma and the conjunction “and” serves to amplify the cumulative effect of these sensations, intensifying their impact on both Jekyll and the reader.
- The use of sensory imagery, through adjectives and listing of “younger,” “lighter,” and “happier,” appeals to readers’ senses, allowing them to vicariously experience Jekyll’s newfound vitality.
10
Q
ANALYSIS:
“All human beings, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.”
A
- Juxtaposition of “good and evil- inherent dualism within human nature, individuals possess both virtuous and malevolent tendencies.
- By characterizing Hyde as “pure evil,” Stevenson amplifies the contrast, highlighting Hyde’s exceptional wickedness, moral extremes he represents.
- Characterisation of Hyde as “alone in the ranks of mankind” - his status as an outlier, separated from the rest of humanity by his utter depravity.
11
Q
EFFECT ON READER:
“All human beings, are commingled out of good and evil: and Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of mankind, was pure evil.”
A
- This hyperbolic language serves to intensify the reader’s sense of revulsion towards Hyde, threat he poses to the moral fabric of society.
- Stevenson invites readers to grapple with the moral ambiguities inherent in the human condition.
12
Q
ANALYSIS:
“If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also.”
A
- Conditional clause “If I am” - element of uncertainty, Jekyll is grappling with his own culpability and the moral implications of his actions. This linguistic technique invites readers to question the nature of sin and its subjective interpretation.
- Parallel structure of the sentence, with “chief of sinners” mirrored by “chief of sufferers,” - sense of balance and symmetry, reinforcing the idea that sin and suffering are inextricably linked.
- This rhetorical device- complexity of Jekyll’s moral dilemma and the notion that punishment is inherent in the act of sinning itself.
13
Q
READER:
“If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also.”
A
Reader- prompted to reflect on the dual nature of human experience and the intricate interplay between sin and suffering.
14
Q
“With ape-like fury”
A
- Simile, comparing Hyde’s fury to that of an ape.
- Comparison - dehumanize Hyde, animalistic instincts and lack of restraint.
- It also evokes connotations of wildness and savagery, heightening the reader’s sense of unease and apprehension.
- Adjective “ape-like” - not only physical resemblance but also a primitive and instinctual quality to Hyde’s actions.
- This nuanced portrayal complicates the reader’s understanding of Hyde’s character, prompting them to consider the complex interplay between civilization and primal urges.
15
Q
“An aged and beautiful gentleman with white hair”
A
- The violence inflicted upon Carew, an emblem of the Victorian aristocracy, symbolizes the threat posed by Hyde to the established social order and moral fabric of society.
- Mention of “white hair” adds a symbolic layer to the description, notions of wisdom and authority associated with aging.
- This detail enhances the tragedy of Carew’s death, as it suggests the loss of a respected and revered figure within the community.
