Jekyll and Hyde Analysis Flashcards
“The man trampled calmly over the child’s body and left her screaming.”
Choice - Stevenson uses the oxymoron “trampled calmly” to highlight Hyde’s brutal and unfeeling nature. The calmness of the action contrasts sharply with the violence of the act, reflecting Hyde’s lack of empathy and morality.
Effect - This juxtaposition of calmness and violence shocks the reader, reinforcing Hyde’s monstrous nature. The image of trampling a helpless child with such indifference would invoke disgust, reinforcing the theme of unchecked evil.
Context: In the Victorian era, the concept of the ‘gentleman’ was central to social life, and Hyde’s actions challenge these notions of moral respectability and civility, suggesting that evil can exist within seemingly respectable people.
“Strong feeling of deformity.”
Choice - The word “deformity” immediately suggests that Hyde is physically abnormal. In the context of Victorian values, where physical appearance was often linked to character, this suggests that Hyde’s moral corruption is outwardly visible.
Effect - This description would elicit fear and repulsion from a Victorian audience, for whom appearances were paramount. They would associate physical deformity with moral degeneration, reflecting the era’s fascination with physiognomy—the belief that a person’s outward appearance revealed their inner nature.
Context - The Victorian era was deeply concerned with morality and social order. The notion that physical deformity could represent evil would be particularly unsettling to readers, reinforcing the theme of duality and the fear of hidden, uncontrollable forces within individuals.
“Shrank back with a hissing intake of a breath.”
Choice: The hissing sound and animalistic imagery highlight Hyde’s primal, supernatural nature, likening him to a wild creature rather than a civilised man.
Effect - This evokes fear and unease, suggesting Hyde is something beyond human, linked to dark, supernatural forces.
Context: In Victorian society, where Darwin’s theory of evolution was gaining prominence, the idea of repressed, primitive instincts within humans was unsettling. Hyde’s animalistic qualities challenge the belief in human progress and rationality, tapping into fears about the darker, uncivilised aspects of human nature that Darwinism suggested could be lurking beneath the surface.
‘He broke out in a great flame of anger’
Choice - Stevenson uses the metaphor of a “flame” to describe Hyde’s anger, indicating it is explosive and uncontrollable. The verb “broke out” suggests that his rage erupts suddenly, showcasing Hyde’s violent nature.
Effect - The reader feels a sense of unease, as the violence is both intense and unrestrained. This emphasizes Hyde’s unpredictability and danger.
Context - In Victorian society, where self-control was highly valued, Hyde’s violence challenges the ideal of the composed, moral man. His outbursts reflect the era’s fear of repressed instincts breaking free.
“Digging among the crates.”
Choice - The verb “digging” suggests a primal, almost animalistic behaviour, as if Hyde is foraging or scavenging, devoid of civility. This action hints at his atavistic qualities, as he engages in behaviour that seems regressive and beneath human dignity.
Effect - The reader is made uncomfortable, as Hyde’s actions evoke the image of an unthinking, instinct-driven creature, alienating him further from the rational, composed Victorian ideal.
Context - Darwinism and the theory of evolution emphasised humanity’s animal origins. Hyde’s atavistic nature implies he represents a throwback to earlier, uncivilised stages of human development, highlighting the Victorian fear of regression into savagery.
‘Beheld the face of Edward Hyde’
Choice - The word “beheld” emphasises the gravity of the moment when Hyde’s true identity is finally seen. It suggests a moment of realization or revelation, making the reader aware of the significance of his appearance. Focusing on Hyde’s face highlights the theme of appearance versus reality, as his physical form symbolises his inner evil.
Effect - The reader feels the tension of Hyde’s hidden nature being uncovered. The revelation adds suspense and unease, as Hyde’s evil is now clearly visible.
Context - In Victorian society, outward appearance was often seen as an indicator of character. Hyde’s face symbolizes the concealed darkness that society feared would undermine its values of respectability and moral integrity.
‘A large, well-made, smooth-faced man’
Choice - Stevenson uses physiognomy to depict Jekyll as the ideal Victorian gentleman, with his “smooth-faced” appearance suggesting respectability and moral integrity.
Effect - This creates a stark contrast with Hyde, whose deformities later highlight the duality of Jekyll’s character, making his transformation more shocking.
Context - In Victorian society, outward appearance was linked to character. Jekyll’s polished image aligns with social expectations, while Hyde’s physical ugliness emphasizes the hidden darkness within.
‘Dr Jekyll grew pale and there came a blackness about his eye’
Choice - The description of Jekyll’s physical change—growing pale with a “blackness” in his eyes—symbolises his inner turmoil and the secrecy surrounding his transformation into Hyde.
Effect - This visual shift suggests the conflict between Jekyll’s public persona and the dark, hidden side of his character. It creates a sense of unease and foreshadows the revealing of his secrets.
Context - In Victorian society, reputation and maintaining a controlled exterior were highly valued. Jekyll’s physical deterioration reflects the consequences of his concealed actions and the eventual unraveling of his hidden life.
‘Like some disconsolate prisoner’
Choice - Stevenson uses a simile comparing Jekyll to a “disconsolate prisoner,” symbolising his sense of entrapment. The word “disconsolate” emphasises his deep despair, reflecting his inner conflict.
Effect - This comparison evokes sympathy, showing how Jekyll is psychologically imprisoned by his duality, reinforcing the theme of internal struggle.
Context - In Victorian society, repression of darker impulses was central to moral values. Jekyll’s “prison” highlights the consequences of such repression, showing how it can lead to personal destruction.
‘I concealed my pleasures’
Choice - Stevenson uses the verb “concealed” to highlight Jekyll’s deliberate suppression of his darker, more immoral desires. The word choice emphasises Jekyll’s repression and his fear of exposing his true nature, directly linking to the theme of secrecy.
Effect - The reader is drawn into Jekyll’s internal struggle, evoking both sympathy and unease. The phrase suggests a tension between his public persona and hidden desires, raising questions about the dangers of self-deception.
Context - In the context of Victorian society, reputation and morality were central. People were expected to uphold a facade of respectability, often repressing or concealing their true feelings and behaviors. Jekyll’s confession reflects the pressures of Victorian norms, revealing how repression and secrecy can lead to destructive consequences.
‘Even as good shone upon the countenance of the one, evil was written broadly and plainly on the face of the other.’
Choice - Stevenson uses a stark contrast between “good” and “evil” to emphasise the duality of Jekyll’s character. The metaphor of good “shining” and evil being “written” on Hyde’s face highlights the clarity with which their opposing natures are revealed.
Effect - The reader is confronted with the external manifestation of inner moral conflict. The juxtaposition of good and evil on their faces visually reinforces the theme of duality and the battle within Jekyll, making Hyde’s evil nature almost inescapable.
Context - Victorian society had strict moral codes, and any deviation from this was considered sinful. Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde represents the hidden darkness within all people, and the visible distinction between them highlights the struggle between maintaining a respectable appearance and the dangers of repressed desires.
‘A man of rugged countenance that was never lightened by a smile.’
Choice - Stevenson’s description of Utterson’s “rugged countenance” suggests a harsh, unemotional exterior, while “never lightened by a smile” reinforces his seriousness. The phrase highlights his restraint and self-discipline, aligning with the Victorian ideal of a reserved and respectable gentleman.
Effect - Utterson’s rigid personality contrasts with the chaos of Hyde, making him a stabilising force in the novel. His lack of outward warmth also reflects the repression of emotions in Victorian society, reinforcing the theme of restraint versus hidden desires.
Context - In Victorian society, gentlemen were expected to uphold dignity and suppress emotions. Utterson’s stoicism reflects these values, positioning him as a moral guide in contrast to Jekyll, whose indulgence in hidden desires leads to his downfall.
‘If he be Mr Hyde, he had thought, “I shall be Mr Seek’
Choice - Stevenson’s use of wordplay between “Hyde” and “Seek” creates a dark irony, emphasizing Utterson’s determination to uncover Jekyll’s secrets. The contrast between Hyde’s concealment and Utterson’s investigation reflects the novel’s theme of secrecy.
Effect - This moment portrays Utterson as a rational, moral figure, yet his obsession with the mystery mirrors the Victorian fascination with hidden sins. His curiosity foreshadows the revelation of Jekyll’s dark double life.
Context - Victorian society valued reputation and discretion, often hiding immoral behaviors beneath a respectable facade. Utterson’s role as an investigator reflects the tension between maintaining appearances and exposing uncomfortable truths.
‘God forgive us, God forgive us,’
Choice - The repetition of “God forgive us” reflects Utterson’s shock and horror at seeing Jekyll’s sudden, unnatural transformation. The religious plea suggests a moral and supernatural disturbance, reinforcing the conflict between science and religion.
Effect - The urgency of Utterson’s reaction heightens the mystery and fear surrounding Jekyll’s condition, making the reader question the true nature of his experiments.
Context - In Victorian society, science was often seen as challenging religious beliefs. Jekyll’s experiment, which distorts the natural order, would have been perceived as sinful, reinforcing fears about the consequences of defying God’s will.
“I shall consider it my duty to break in that door.”
Choice - The declarative statement and formal tone of “I shall consider it my duty” reflect Utterson’s strong moral compass and determination to uncover the truth. The forceful imagery of “break in that door” symbolises his willingness to shatter secrecy and expose hidden truths.
Effect - This moment builds suspense, as Utterson, usually rational and restrained, takes decisive action. The reader anticipates a revelation, reinforcing the theme of secrecy.
Context - Victorian gentlemen valued discretion, but Utterson’s resolve shows how Jekyll’s case has pushed him beyond societal norms, highlighting the dangers of excessive secrecy.
‘Well known man about town’
Choice - The phrase “well known” suggests Enfield’s respected reputation, while “man about town” implies he is sociable and well-connected, fitting the image of an ideal Victorian gentleman. His public presence contrasts with the secrecy surrounding Jekyll and Hyde.
Effect - Enfield appears as a model of propriety, reinforcing Victorian ideals of reputation and decorum. However, his reluctance to gossip hints at the hidden vices within even the most respectable men.
Context - Victorian gentlemen were expected to maintain a polished public image, avoiding scandal while secretly indulging in pleasures, mirroring the duality present in the novel.
‘We could and would make such a scandal out of this’
Choice - The repetition of “could and would” emphasises Enfield’s certainty that public exposure would ruin a reputation. The word “scandal” reflects Victorian society’s obsession with maintaining appearances, where any hint of disgrace could lead to social ruin.
Effect - The reader sees how deeply reputation governs Victorian life. Enfield’s focus on scandal, rather than morality, highlights the hypocrisy of the upper class, who valued appearance over true virtue.
Context - In Victorian society, a damaged reputation could lead to financial and social downfall. Blackmail and secrecy were common, as individuals feared exposure of hidden sins.
‘It sounds nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see’
Choice - The contrast between “nothing to hear” and “hellish to see” highlights Enfield’s restrained, detached nature. The adjective “hellish” suggests something disturbing and unnatural, yet he downplays it, reflecting his preference for silence over confrontation.
Effect - The reader sees Enfield as a man who avoids unnecessary involvement, embodying the Victorian gentleman’s tendency to suppress uncomfortable truths. His reaction reflects the societal pressure to maintain decorum rather than expose wrongdoing.
Context - Victorian gentlemen were expected to uphold discretion and avoid scandal. Enfield’s reluctance to discuss the event reflects this mindset, showing how repression was deeply ingrained in upper-class values.
‘Walked on once more in silence’
Choice - The phrase “walked on” suggests deliberate avoidance, while “in silence” emphasises secrecy and repression. Stevenson uses this to highlight Enfield’s unwillingness to discuss uncomfortable matters, reinforcing his reserved nature.
Effect - The reader perceives Enfield as a typical Victorian gentleman, prioritising discretion over confrontation. His silence reflects the societal expectation to ignore scandal rather than expose it.
Context - Victorian society valued reputation and restraint, discouraging open discussion of immoral behaviour. Enfield’s reaction reflects this repression, showing how people preferred to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing.
‘Hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced gentlemen’
Choice - Stevenson uses descriptors like “hearty” and “healthy” to depict Dr. Lanyon as a robust, well-respected member of society. “Dapper” conveys his neat and well-groomed appearance, suggesting both physical and moral uprightness, typical of the ideal Victorian gentleman.
Effect - This portrayal emphasises Lanyon’s rational, scientific approach, contrasting with the more mysterious and unorthodox figures like Jekyll. His physical vitality implies that he’s a figure of strength and reliability.
Context - The ideal Victorian gentleman was expected to be respectable, disciplined, and physically fit. Lanyon embodies this, and his eventual collapse due to his knowledge of Jekyll’s experiments highlights the tension between Victorian ideals and the dangerous pursuit of forbidden knowledge.
‘Such unscientific balderdash’
Choice - Stevenson uses “unscientific balderdash” to emphasise Dr. Lanyon’s firm belief in rational science and his rejection of Jekyll’s unorthodox experiments, highlighting the era’s strict adherence to observable, empirical science.
Effect - Lanyon’s condemnation aligns him with Victorian ideals of science and reason, contrasting with Jekyll’s boundary-pushing experiments, which symbolise a clash between traditional science and the supernatural.
Context: In the Victorian era, science was growing in authority, yet conflicts with religious and supernatural beliefs persisted. Lanyon’s rejection of Jekyll’s work mirrors the tension between scientific progress and the dangers of venturing beyond established boundaries.
‘Death-warrant written legibly upon his face’
Choice: Stevenson’s use of “death-warrant” is a stark metaphor that suggests the severe toll Jekyll’s experiments have taken on Lanyon. The description contrasts with Lanyon’s earlier portrayal as “hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced,” symbolising vitality and stability.
Effect - The change in Lanyon’s physical appearance creates an unsettling effect, highlighting the destructive consequences of Jekyll’s dual nature and the dangerous consequences of tampering with the boundaries of science. The reader sees the stark physical manifestation of the inner conflict between good and evil.
Context - This transformation reflects the Victorian concern with the duality of human nature. Lanyon, once a model of rational, respectable science, is now consumed by the moral and physical decay caused by witnessing Jekyll’s transgression into the dark, forbidden realms of science.
‘My life is shaken to its roots’
Choice - The phrase “shaken to its roots” is a metaphor that signifies a complete disruption of Dr. Lanyon’s worldview and personal stability. It suggests that the revelation of Jekyll’s transformation has fundamentally altered his understanding of life and science.
Effect - The reader is likely to feel the intensity of Lanyon’s distress, highlighting the horror he experiences when confronted with the dark, supernatural side of science. This reaction contrasts with Lanyon’s previous belief in rational, conventional science, emphasising the novel’s theme of the dangers of unchecked experimentation.
Context: Lanyon’s shock reflects the Victorian fear of scientific experimentation challenging moral and religious boundaries. In a society that valued order and respectability, the disturbing nature of Jekyll’s actions represents a violation of these social norms, shaking the foundations of Lanyon’s belief system.
‘Lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow loveable’
Choice - Stevenson uses contrasting adjectives like “dusty” and “dreary” to depict Utterson’s outwardly cold and reserved nature. The word “loveable” complicates this image, showing that beneath his stern exterior lies a more approachable and warm side.
Effect - This duality intrigues the reader, revealing Utterson’s internal complexity. It suggests that, despite his formal, Victorian gentleman persona, he is capable of compassion and loyalty, reflecting the tension between appearance and reality.
Context - In Victorian society, restraint was key, but Stevenson challenges this with Utterson’s mixed traits, aligning with the novel’s exploration of duality. This echoes the broader theme that all individuals have hidden depths beneath the surface.
‘Man is not truly one, but truly two’
Choice - Stevenson uses Utterson’s statement to express the novel’s central theme of duality. The phrase “truly two” suggests that human nature is divided between the outward persona and hidden desires, emphasising that no one is purely good or evil.
Effect - The reader begins to understand the internal conflict within characters, particularly Jekyll and Hyde, and how the external world often masks the darker sides of human nature. Utterson’s realisation adds to the unsettling atmosphere, as the idea of duality undermines the certainty of human identity.
Context: In Victorian society, strict social codes promoted the repression of base instincts, but this quote exposes the tension between the public facade and private impulses. It reflects the growing awareness of psychological complexity and the potential for hidden darkness in seemingly upstanding individuals.
‘The last good influence in the lives of down going men’
Choice - Stevenson depicts Utterson as “the last good influence,” positioning him as a moral force in a world filled with corruption. “Down-going men” suggests those already on a path to moral decline, with Utterson being the final attempt to save them.
Effect - The reader may sympathise with Utterson’s role as a moral protector, but also feel the looming inevitability of evil’s victory, reinforcing the theme of good versus evil.
Context - In Victorian society, where reputation and morality were paramount, Utterson embodies the ideal gentleman. His struggle with Jekyll and Hyde reflects the tension between societal expectations of virtue and the darker, hidden forces within.
‘A great chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven’
Choice - The metaphor of a “chocolate-coloured pall” evokes darkness and decay, with “pall” traditionally referring to a funeral shroud, symbolising death or evil. The contrast of this darkness “lowering over heaven” suggests a clouding of purity or goodness.
Effect - The reader feels a sense of foreboding and unease, as the imagery of darkness swallowing the heavens implies an overwhelming force of evil encroaching upon goodness. It enhances the tension between the forces of good and evil within the novella.
Context: Victorian society, with its strict moral codes, was deeply concerned with the balance between good and evil. The darkening of the sky reflects the moral corruption and hidden sins that threaten to overshadow the veneer of respectability that society upheld.
‘You must suffer me to go my own dark way’
Choice - Dr Jekyll’s use of “suffer me” suggests he is willingly embracing his darker side, accepting the consequences of his transformation. The “dark way” symbolises his surrender to evil, as he allows Hyde to take control, blurring the line between humanity and the supernatural.
Effect - The reader may feel a sense of inevitability, as Jekyll seems resigned to his fate. His awareness of the moral corruption he is embracing intensifies the battle between good and evil, making his downfall more tragic.
Context - In the Victorian era, science and rationality clashed with religious beliefs. Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde defies natural order, embodying the fear of supernatural forces overtaking human morality. His descent warns of the dangers of unchecked evil and the consequences of suppressing darker desires.
‘Like satan’
Choice - Stevenson’s comparison of Hyde to Satan highlights his embodiment of pure evil. Satan, a symbol of sin and rebellion, reflects Hyde’s lack of morality and spiritual corruption.
Effect - Victorian readers, steeped in Christian values, would see Hyde as a figure of evil, evoking fear and revulsion. His link to Satan suggests the dangers of abandoning moral and religious principles.
Context - In Victorian society, religion was central to moral behaviour. Stevenson uses this religious imagery to emphasize the consequences of unchecked evil, warning against spiritual decay and the collapse of societal values.
‘Dry divinity’
Choice - When Mr. Utterson refers to “dry divinity,” Stevenson highlights his pragmatic, emotionless view of religion. The term suggests that Utterson’s approach to faith is rigid and uninspired, devoid of spiritual warmth or engagement.
Effect - The reader sees Utterson as a figure driven by reason and order, even in his approach to religion. This reinforces his character as a typical Victorian gentleman who values stability and rationality, avoiding emotional or spiritual extremes.
Context - The Victorian era saw a struggle between established religious beliefs and the burgeoning rise of science. Utterson, representing the traditional moral compass, contrasts with the more progressive or unconventional aspects of science, especially embodied by Jekyll. His “dry divinity” reflects the more conventional, yet emotionally distant, religious attitudes of the time.
‘In the law of God, there is no statute of limitations.’
Choice - By stating, “In the law of God, there is no statute of limitations,” Utterson reinforces the idea that divine justice is eternal. The legal metaphor contrasts human law, which has time limits, with God’s unwavering moral judgment.
Effect - The reader sees Utterson as a moral figure who believes in ultimate justice, opposing Jekyll’s scientific defiance of ethical boundaries.
Context - In Victorian society, religion dictated morality. This quote highlights the tension between religious beliefs and scientific advancements, reflecting fears of science undermining faith.
‘Had fallen upon his knees and lifted his clasped hands to God’
Choice - Stevenson’s imagery of Jekyll having “fallen upon his knees and lifted his clasped hands to God” suggests desperation and submission. The religious gesture contrasts with his earlier scientific arrogance, showing his realization that science cannot save him.
Effect - This moment evokes sympathy, as Jekyll, once defiant, now seeks divine mercy, reinforcing the idea that he has lost control over his experiments.
Context - Victorian fears about science challenging religion are reflected here. Jekyll, embodying scientific ambition, ultimately turns to God, suggesting that religion holds the ultimate power over morality and fate.
‘Must have secrets of his own; black secrets’
Choice - The phrase “must have secrets of his own; black secrets” implies that even the most respectable men hide immoral truths. The adjective “black” suggests something corrupt and shameful, linking secrecy to moral decay.
Effect - It creates intrigue and reinforces the idea that Victorian gentlemen, despite their outward respectability, often harboured dark, hidden sins.
Context - In Victorian society, reputation was paramount. Many concealed their vices to maintain social standing, making them vulnerable to blackmail and scandal, as seen in Jekyll’s double life.
‘If it came to a trial your name might appear’
Choice - The phrase “if it came to a trial your name might appear” highlights the fear of public exposure. The conditional “if” suggests the fragility of Jekyll’s reputation, while “might appear” implies that even association with a crime could lead to scandal.
Effect - It reinforces the theme that maintaining a respectable image was more important than morality, as even suspicion could destroy a man’s standing.
Context - In Victorian society, reputation defined a gentleman’s status. Public disgrace could lead to social and professional ruin, forcing individuals like Jekyll to lead double lives.
‘Sawbones turned sick and white with the desire to kill him’
Choice - The phrase “Sawbones turned sick and white with the desire to kill him” juxtaposes the doctor’s profession of healing with his urge for violence. “Turned sick and white” suggests shock, while “desire to kill” highlights the instinctive, uncontrollable hatred Hyde provokes.
Effect - This reaction shows how Hyde’s presence stirs the darkest impulses in others, reinforcing his unnatural and almost inhuman evil.
Context - Victorian society valued restraint and civility, yet Stevenson suggests that beneath this facade, humans have violent urges, aligning with ideas of repressed desires and Darwinian atavism.
‘Instantly the spirit of hell awoke in me and raged’
Choice - The phrase “the spirit of hell awoke in me and raged” personifies evil as a force within Jekyll, suggesting he is no longer in control. “Spirit of hell” alludes to religious damnation, while “raged” conveys uncontrollable fury, emphasising Hyde’s violent nature.
Effect - The reader sees Hyde as a demonic, unstoppable force, reinforcing the fear that once evil is unleashed, it cannot be contained.
Context - Victorians feared losing control to sinful desires. This reflects religious concerns about morality and scientific anxieties about the duality of human nature, linking to Darwinian ideas of primal instincts.
‘Dingy windowless structure with curiosity’
Choice - The “dingy windowless structure” symbolises isolation and concealment, reinforcing the secrecy surrounding Jekyll’s experiments. The lack of windows suggests hidden horrors, while “curiosity” hints at the temptation to uncover forbidden knowledge.
Effect - Creates an air of mystery and foreboding, making the reader question what Jekyll is hiding. The laboratory feels more like a prison than a place of science, heightening suspense.
Context - In Victorian society, reputation was paramount, and Jekyll’s secret experiments challenge moral and scientific boundaries, reflecting fears of hidden corruption beneath a respectable façade.
‘Down with the door’
Choice - The imperative phrase “Down with the door!” conveys urgency and determination, symbolizing the literal and metaphorical destruction of secrecy. The forceful action suggests that Jekyll’s hidden truths can no longer be contained.
Effect - Creates tension and anticipation, as the moment of revelation is near. The breaking of the door represents the collapse of deception, exposing the horrifying reality within.
Context - Victorian society valued discretion and repression, but Jekyll’s secrets—like many hidden vices of the upper class—could not remain concealed forever, reflecting fears of exposure and moral downfall.
‘Like some dammed juggernaut’
Choice - In this quote, “Like some damned juggernaut,” Stevenson uses the metaphor of a juggernaut to depict Hyde’s overwhelming, unstoppable force. The word “damned” adds a supernatural element, suggesting that Hyde is not just a man, but something evil and cursed, almost beyond human control.
Effect - This choice of imagery amplifies the sense of supernatural power surrounding Hyde, as it implies that he is not bound by the same laws of nature or morality as others. The reader may feel a sense of dread, as Hyde becomes an unstoppable force of evil, transcending the natural world.
Context - In the context of the novella, this quote highlights the theme of duality—Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde reveals a darker, uncontrollable side of humanity, challenging Victorian beliefs in rationality and order. The supernatural element suggests that embracing evil leads to the loss of control, resulting in something monstrously destructive.
‘Like a man restored from death - there stood Henry Jekyll!’
Choice - In the quote, “Like a man restored from death—there stood Henry Jekyll!” Stevenson employs a simile comparing Jekyll’s sudden transformation to someone coming back to life, evoking a supernatural, almost otherworldly quality to his return. The idea of a man “restored from death” suggests that Jekyll’s transformation is beyond the natural realm, hinting at an unnatural resurrection.
Effect - This choice of words reinforces the supernatural theme, as it portrays Jekyll’s shift between his two identities as something more than just a physical change—it becomes an eerie, unearthly event. The reader is left with a sense of shock and unease, as the boundaries between life and death, and good and evil, become blurred.
Context - In the context of the novella, this moment marks the culmination of Jekyll’s dangerous experiments with science, which transcend the normal limits of human experience and reveal the dark, supernatural consequences of tampering with one’s soul.
“The fog still slept on the wing above the drowned city.”
Choice – Stevenson’s metaphor of fog “sleeping” suggests repressed desires, hidden but ever-present, while the “drowned city” evokes suffocation, symbolizing the weight of these concealed forces.
Effect – The reader feels an oppressive atmosphere, understanding that repressed emotions will eventually emerge, leading to inevitable consequences.
Context – In Victorian society, repression was key to maintaining respectability. Stevenson critiques this by showing how suppressing darker instincts leads to destructive outcomes, as seen in Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde.
“The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde.”
Choice – Jekyll’s assertion that he can “be rid of Mr Hyde” highlights his belief in his control over his darker side, symbolizing repression of undesirable traits or instincts.
Effect – The reader senses a false sense of security, as Jekyll’s statement suggests he believes he can suppress his darker impulses at will. However, this foreshadows his eventual loss of control.
Context – In the context of Victorian society, where repression was a social expectation, Jekyll’s words reflect the era’s obsession with maintaining moral decorum and hiding darker desires. However, Stevenson suggests that repression can only work for so long before the repressed desires resurface violently.
“My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring.”
Choice – The phrase “My devil had been long caged” metaphorically represents the repression of Jekyll’s darker instincts, while “he came out roaring” indicates the uncontrollable eruption of these repressed urges. The devil symbolizes the evil side of Jekyll’s dual nature.
Effect – The reader is struck by the violent imagery, heightening the tension and suggesting that Jekyll’s attempts to control his darker self are futile. The use of “roaring” intensifies the sense of menace and chaos as Hyde emerges.
Context – In the Victorian era, the emphasis on moral restraint and the repression of immoral desires makes Jekyll’s loss of control particularly significant. His struggle reflects the era’s conflict between upholding societal decorum and the dangers of suppressing natural instincts, ultimately leading to a catastrophic release of repressed evil.
