Jekyll and Hyde - secrecy and reputation

Question 1

Chapter 1 - “Let s make a bargain..

Answer 1

..never to refer to this again.”

Question 2

Analysis on “Let us make a bargain to never refer to this again”

Answer 2

• to avoid guilt, fear or social repercussions

Question 3

How does secrecy relate to a Victorian society?

Answer 3

In a Victorian society a man’s secrets could be used to ruin him.
Jekyll’s secrets would ruin his reputation if they are exposed to society.

Question 4

Jekyll’s hidden experiments

Answer 4

Jekyll keeps his experiments a secret in order to protect his reputation as he admits: “I concealed my pleasures”
Jekyll’s battle within himself to remain respectable is revealed

Question 5

Utterson’s investigation

Answer 5

Utterson desperately tries to avoid any scandal which could damage Jekyll’s reputation and therefore does not share his suspicions about him (loyal to his friend)
He is a trustworthy, discreet and loyal friend and is referred to as “the last reputable acquaintance… of down-going men”

Question 6

Lanyon’s discretion

Answer 6

Despite discovering Jekyll’s terrifying secret, Lanyon refuses to tell Utterson why he had a disagreement with Jekyll
His failure to disclose Jekyll’s secret results in his death and reflects the Victorian fear of exposing unsettling truths

Question 7

Ambiguity surrounding Enfield and Carew

Answer 7

Although considered ideal Victorian gentleman, Stevenson does not reveal why both men are depicted as walking the London streets late at night
–> vices

Question 8

Setting and atmosphere