Poole Flashcards
“O, sir… do you think I do not know my master after twenty years? Do you think I do not know where his head comes to in the cabinet door, where I saw him every morning of my life? No, sir, that thing in the mask was never Dr Jekyll.”
Evidently Poole is loyal and concerned for the safety of Jekyll. The use of the possessive “my” contrasts with the connotation of ownership from “master” which may imply that whilst Poole works for Jekyll, they maintain a two-way working relationship. The certainty of “that thing in the mask was never Dr Jekyll” implies that Poole is very aware of his master’s idiosyncrasies.
“‘Hold your tongue!’ Poole said to her, with a ferocity of accent that testified to his own jangled nerves.”
Demonstrates his strict awareness of the levels of appropriate behavior for each situation, alongside his capacity for leadership. This is a rare expression of emotion in the novella, showing how Poole is less restricted due to his lower class.
“’Changed? Well, yes, I think so,” said the butler. “Have I been twenty years in this man’s house, to be deceived about his voice? No, sir; master’s made away with’”
Refers to Dr Jekyll as “master”, reminding the reader of how they are supposed to interact with one another. Also propels the narrative as Poole is able to be sure that Jekyll has been replaced with Hyde.
“You know the doctor’s ways, sir,” replied Poole, “and how he shuts himself up. Well, he’s shut up again in the cabinet; and I don’t like it, sir—I wish I may die if I like it. Mr. Utterson, sir, I’m afraid.”
Poole shows enough concern about his master to involve himself for the first time in the investigation. Poole is progressing the narrative by seeking Mr Utterson’s help and his character is showing the great deal of care and respect that he has for Dr Jekyll. Additionally, this demonstrates his very respectful nature; he is concerned about his appearance in society shown through the repetition of “sir”
“doggedly disregarding
the question”
He doesn’t want to tell Utterson about his worries out of fear of hurting Dr Jekyll. This also suggests that Poole is treated well by Jekyll.
“that thing in the mask was never Dr Jekyll”
He is loyal and concerned for Jekyll’s safety. It also shows that Poole is very familiar with his master’s behaviours.
He spoke “with a ferocity of accent that testified to his own jangled nerves.”
This is a rare expression of emotion in the novella, showing how Poole is less restricted due to his lower class.
“master’s made away with”
By referring to Jekyll as “master”, the reader is reminded of how the two characters are expected to interact with each other. This also propels the narrative as Poole is able to be sure that Jekyll has been replaced with Hyde.
“he’s shut up again in the cabinet; and I don’t like it, sir- I wish I may die if I like it.”
Poole is expressing concern for his master so involves himself in the investigation. His respectful nature is also shown through the use of “sir”. He also acts as a plot device to propel the narrative by seeking Mr Utterson’s help.
