Jekyll Key Themes Flashcards
“A large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty…every mark of capacity and kindness” chapter 3
Paradoxical description: the phrase “smooth-faced man of fifty” is unorthodox perhaps even paradoxical as a fifty year old man would typically be etched with wrinkles. The first tangible description of Jekyll paints him as almost artificial as he is the perfect gentleman to the point where it seems false which foreshadows the plot.
The word “kindness” illustrates why Utterson had such an affinity with Jekyll, as it was this supposed kindness which forged a strong bond between the two. However, the placement of “mark” next to kindness foreshadows a hidden stain on jekylls morality.
Foreshadowing: Jekylls sanitised appearance becomes and ironic counterpoint to the barbaric Hyde lurking beneath.
The unblemished facade suggests Jekylls mastery of social performance symbolises the conflict between surface appearances and deeper realities.
“If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers too” chapter 6
Alliteration: The alliteration of “sinners” and “suffers” blurs the distinction between these concepts, suggesting an intertwined relationship. As Jekyll is microcosmic for Victorian gentlemen, it reveals the ambiguity and blurred lines between morality and immorality as well as good and evil. This interconnection ridicules how this progressive society is actually full of duality and suffering.
Jekylls internal struggle, embodying both “sinner” and “sufferer”, epitomises this paradox. He battles with indulging in his sinful darker desires while undergoing the suffering imposed by societal repression.
Biblical illusions: Despite Jekyll’s religious transgressions in his pursuit of “scientific balderdash” he acknowledges he is still subject to divine condemnation. The biblical allusion to hell is within the term “sinner” this accentuates that despite his rejection of societal norms, he remains accountable to God’s judgement.
Science&Religion: The inner turmoil reflects the Victorian struggle between scientific progress and religious faith. Despite the rise of scientific theories the judgement of God was inescapable.
“Clothes of the Doctors bigness” chapter 8
Metaphor- reminder of how Jekyll was once a more developed aspect of his nature. We mourn the loss of this respectable individual all that is left is his clothes as he all that is left is his evil counterpart.
His repression and denial of true desires led to the bleak discovery of his dual identity. Discovery shatters the allusion of his respectability
Symbolism of clothes: clothes are superficial, highlighting how only the superficial aspects of himself remain, everything else was too fragile and false
This superficiality reinforces the motif of appearance vs reality, as it becomes evident that the virtuous dr Jekyll was a disguise.
“My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring” chapter 10
Verb caged: use of “caged” not only signifies societal and religious repression but also perpetuates the theme of suffering and toxic austerity
Animalistic allusions are created linking with Darwinism. This critics the suppression of primal instincts and hedonistic urges by religious principles.
Zoomorphism: jekylls degenerate desires are symbolically portrayed as “roaring” that hints at a deeper exploration of his descent into his primitive form. Societal constraints compel him to suppress these desires. Which are then personified even more forcefully in Hyde.
“Agonised womb of consciousness, these polar twins should be continuously struggling” chapter 10
Painful verb agonised: suggests Jekyll made an egregious mistake in attempting to separate the two aspects of his nature. Illustrates the pain between the dichotomy of moral duty and personal pleasure.
As this agony occur in the “womb”, the place of origin and creation illustrates the inherent and inextricable duality of human nature. Stevenson mocks the Victorian want to sterilise this inherent human flaw chowing it is a permanent trait in everyone from the moment of creation.
Metaphor: “womb” could also suggest that the two aspect of human nature never finished developing, they are perpetually in an embryonic state thus engaging the power struggle.
Duality: Jekyll’s character of concealing “polar twins” of good and evil, serves as a powerful allegory in Stevenson’s novella. Stevenson challenges the Victorian notion that duality is synonymous with evil.
