Jekyll and Hyde Key Quotes Flashcards
“sincere and warm affection”
Evidences the fact that Jekyll values his friendships and appreciates their company. He has a positive and loving nature.
“carried it off gaily”
- Connotations: cheerfully, happily
- The word choice of “gaily” shows that Dr Jekyll avoids being rude and despite the conversation turning to a subject he does not like, he remains calm and is not bothered by what others think. This emphasises Jekyll’s impeccable manners and his kind, considerate nature.
“well-made”
Emphasises that Jekyll comes across as a very presentable man who makes sure he is put together.
“capacity and kindness”
Shows that Jekyll is a very caring individual and is extremely friendly towards others.
“deadly sick”
- Connotations: unwell, struggling
- The word choice of “deadly” makes clear Jekyll’s awful condition. He appears to be very unwell and far from his usual lively self. In earlier chapters, Jekyll appeared to be in good shape however the burden of keeping Hyde a secret is beginning to have a physical impact on him.
“Utterson, I swear to God”, cried the doctor, “I swear to God I will never set eyes on him again.”
The repetition of “I swear to God” highlights the passion and desperation in Jekyll’s voice. Jekyll’s insistence that he will no longer speak to Hyde is also emphasised.
“I was thinking of my own character”
This statement comes as a shock. Previously, Jekyll appeared to be a selfless and considerate man however he now seems selfish and vain.
“feverish manner”
Suggests that Jekyll is acting in a nervous and uncontrolled way. He seems agitated and displays a frantic energy.
“he was perfectly cool and made no resistance”
Shows Hyde’s lack of compassion or emotional response to knocking over the child.
“like some damned Juggernaut”
Connotations: overwhelming, huge
•The word choice of “juggernaut” creates the idea of Hyde as an overwhelming, unstoppable force.
This demonstrates the extreme violence and force which Hyde exerted on the young girl making his
complete lack of empathy and unforgiving nature clear.
“really like Satan”
Enfield likening him to the embodiment of evil.
“great flame of anger”
- Just as a “great flame” is extremely destructive and dangerous as well as the fact that it cannot be suppressed easily.
- So too is Hyde’s rage exceptionally intense and it would be impossible to stop his attack. Thus emphasises Hyde’s violent and destructive nature.
“clubbed him to the earth”
As a club is normally associated with cavemen, this highlights Hyde’s primitive and brutal behaviour.
“ape-like fury”
Creates an animalistic impression of Hyde. Highlights that he seems unevolved as his movements are ungainly yet powerful.
“Though he enjoyed the theatre, had not crossed the doors of one for twenty years”
• Even though visiting the theatre is an activity which he deeply enjoys, he is wary of his reputation. The word choice of “twenty years” highlights the considerable length of time in which Utterson has denied himself unnecessary pleasures.
“Embarrassed in discourse…austere with himself”
Utterson is very reserved and does not possess the same outgoing nature as some of his counterparts. “Austere” suggests his strict and controlled nature.
“Inclined to help rather than to reprove”
- Connotations: supportive, rational
- The word choice of “help” indicates that Utterson is a very supportive individual who tries his best to avoid judgement. The fact that he does not “reprove” highlights that he looks to find rational explanations instead of leaping to assumptions about people. He truly sees the best in people.
“His affections, like Ivy, were the growth of time”
- Just as “ivy” is deep rooted and steadfast.
- So too are Utterson’s friendships made slowly and are long-lasting. He has a small group of very close friends who he has established a trusting relationship with.
“If he be Mr Hyde, he had thought, I shall be Mr Seek”
- Connotations: curious, desperate
- The word choice of “seek” demonstrates Utterson’s intense desire to find out everything he can about Mr Hyde as well as his desperation to solve the mystery. This illustrates that Utterson is a curious individual who is persistent in achieving his goals.
“Never lighted by a smile”
- Connotations: serious, sober
- The word choice of “never” demonstrates that Utterson is an extremely sober and serious man at all times. The fact that he does not “smile” on an occasion indicates that he is not given to light-hearted or frivolous behaviour and instead acts in a solemn manner.
“the two men put the greatest store by these excursions, counted them the chief jewel of each week”
- Connotations: valuable, precious
- The word choice of “chief jewel” emphasises just how much Utterson values his weekly walk with Enfield. Despite having very little in common and not appearing to exchange many words, Utterson enjoys Enfield’s company. The fact that Utterson would prioritise this time over work further emphasises how highly he values his friend.
“aged and beautiful gentleman with white hair”
- Connotations: pure, innocent
- The word choice of “white” suggests that Carew was an innocent and pure man. His old age also highlights his vulnerability, making Hyde’s attack all the more brutal and evil. By describing Carew as a “gentleman” his considerate and polite behaviour is highlighted, in stark contrast with the violence of Hyde.
“the older man bowed”
Carew’s exceptional manners are once more illustrated here. His politeness is contrasted with Hyde’s brutality and violence.
“hoping to do better still”
Connotations: optimistic, positive, trying
Word choice of “hoping” conveys that there is a sense of optimism in the town and collectively they want to improve it even more. It has a positive atmosphere and the people of the town are truly putting an effort in to make it even more appealing.
“drove a thriving trade”
Connotations: doing well, growing, profit
Word choice of “thriving” emphasises the fact that the town was experiencing a period of prosperity and were making profits. They were in a strong financial position and were growing.
“blistered and distained”
Connotations: broken, run-down, damaged
Suggests the town has been through years of neglect. The paint has been worn and chipped and now looks unpleasant and uninviting. The use of “blistered” suggests a wound.
“a bright, open fire and furnished with costly cabinets of oak”
Suggests goodness, honesty and friendliness. “Costly” highlights Jekyll’s wealth and status.
“a square of ancient, handsome houses”
first description of Jekyll’s street. Suggests reliability and respectability as well as evidencing his social status.
“dingy, windowless structure”
Implies corruption and secrecy. Creates a sense of darkness and gloominess.
“once crowded with eager students and now lying gaunt and silent”
Contrast between the past and present reinforces the grimness of the laboratory now. Creates a sinister atmosphere.
“chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven”
Just as a pall would be draped over a coffin, so too is the sky itself covered with ominous, dark clouds, giving the impression that heaven itself has met its demise. This implies the immortality of the place.
“swirling wreaths”
The word “wreath” links to death, conveying this hangs over the area. This creates a supernatural air.
“crushing anticipation of calamity”
- Connotations: disaster, catastrophe, crisis
- The word choice of “calamity” highlights that Utterson is expecting a crisis to occur and although he is trying to remain logical and rational, he is also aware that something is very wrong. He is clearly extremely anxious at this point. This foreshadows the fact that he is walking into something potentially destructive.
“no face”
•The repetition of “no face” highlights that Utterson is deeply troubled by the mystery of Edward Hyde. At this point, Hyde seems to be almost supernatural which causes Utterson a great deal of anxiety. Utterson is so gripped by finding out who Hyde is that he is unable to sleep and will not rest until he solves the case.
