Jekyll and Hyde Overview

Question 1

Mr Hyde

Answer 1

In ‘the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,’ Stevenson presents Mr Hyde as the dark and evil alter ego of Dr Jekyll. He is described as a small, deformed, and ugly man who inspires fear and disgust in everyone who meets him. Hyde represents Jekyll’s suppressed desires and sinful nature, acting without conscience or remorse. Hyde ultimately consumes him, illustrating the dangers of unchecked evil and duality in human nature.

Question 2

Dr Jekyll

Answer 2

In ‘the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,’ Stevenson presents Dr Jekyll, as a respected Victorian gentleman, who hides his darker desires to protect his reputation. He creates a potion to transform into Mr. Hyde, indulging in evil without consequence. However, Hyde grows stronger, and Jekyll loses control, ultimately consumed by his own creation, highlighting the dangers of repression and duality.

Question 3

Mr Utterson

Answer 3

In ‘the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,’ Stevenson presents Mr Utterson as a serious and rational lawyer, known for his quiet yet deeply moral nature. He is reserved, rarely showing emotion, but possesses a strong sense of duty and loyalty to his friends. Though reserved, he is determined to uncover the truth while remaining compassionate and responsible. His persistence reflects his commitment to justice, yet he struggles to comprehend the darker sides of human nature and morality.

Question 4

Mr Enfield

Answer 4

In ‘the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,’ Stevenson presents Mr. Enfield as a well-known, socially connected man who is initially shocked by Hyde’s actions but prefers to avoid confrontation. Despite his discomfort, he maintains composure and values social propriety, highlighting the tension between appearance and darker truths in society.

Question 5

Dr Lanyon

Answer 5

In ‘the strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde,’ Stevenson presents Dr Lanyon as a healthy, well-respected doctor with a strong belief in traditional scientific methods. He dismisses Jekyll’s unorthodox experiments, viewing them as nonsense. However, after witnessing the transformation between Jekyll and Hyde, he is horrified, leading to a physical and emotional collapse that ultimately causes his death.

Question 6

Duality

Answer 6

In The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson presents the theme of duality by exploring the contrast between outward appearances and hidden inner selves. Characters like Jekyll and Hyde embody the coexistence of good and evil within one person, while others, like Dr. Lanyon, suffer the destructive effects of this duality, highlighting the complexities of human nature.

Question 7

Good vs Evil

Answer 7

In The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson explores the conflict between good and evil, illustrating how these forces coexist within one individual. Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde symbolizes the struggle, with good and evil visibly separating them. As Jekyll attempts to control his darker side, it ultimately consumes him, revealing the destructive power of unchecked evil.

Question 8

Science vs religion

Answer 8

In The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson examines the conflict between science and religion. Jekyll’s scientific experiments challenge religious beliefs, with his transformation into Hyde representing the consequences of disregarding moral laws. As the story progresses, characters turn to God in fear and desperation, illustrating the tension between rationality and faith.

Question 9

Secrecy

Answer 9

In The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, secrecy plays a central role in the unfolding drama. Dr. Jekyll hides his darker side through his transformation into Hyde, keeping his true nature a secret. The concealment of his actions and desires creates a sense of mystery, as characters uncover the truth through clues and suspicions. The tension built by secrecy leads to the ultimate revelation, highlighting the destructive power of hidden truths.

Question 10

Violence

Answer 10

In The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, violence is portrayed as a powerful, destructive force. It emerges unexpectedly, often escalating quickly and without remorse. The brutal acts in the story, from assault to murder, highlight the darker side of human nature and the consequences of unchecked aggression.

Question 11

Reputation

Answer 11

In The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, reputation is a driving force behind the characters’ actions. Dr. Jekyll, desperate to protect his social standing, conceals his darker side by transforming into Hyde. The constant fear of scandal leads him to suppress his true nature, revealing the destructive consequences of prioritising reputation over truth and morality.