Reputation Flashcards
context and themes
Give an example to show that Utterson doesn’t like to talk about things that could damage a person’s reputation.
Utterson and Enfield agree they won’t talk about the incident with the trampled girl again after their first conversation. Utterson promises with “all” his “heart” — this strong language emphasises that he dislikes discussing things that could damage Jekyll’s reputation
How does Jekyll’s concern for his reputation lead him to create Hyde?
Jekyll wanted to “upright” part of his personality to be able to enjoy life without being “exposed to disgrace and penitence” by the more disrespectable side.
When he creates Hyde, Jekyll says the “safety” of his reputation as Henry Jekyll is “complete” (total).
Give an example from the novella which shows that isn’t true.
When Hyde pays money to the girl he hurts, he uses a cheque with Jekyll’s name on it. This links the two men, which makes Enfield (and eventually Utterson) suspicious.
How does Utterson’s concern for Jekyll’s reputation put his own reputation at risk?
Explain your answer.
Utterson begins to “haunt” Hyde’s door when he wants to meet Hyde, including at night. He also hides a letter from Hyde to Jekyll from the police because it could get Jekyll in to trouble. Both of these tings could have damaged his reputation if they were discovered — loitering at night seems quite suspicious and hiding evidence is a crime.
Do you think Jekyll’s reputation is still his main concern by the end of his life?
Explain your answer.
Towards the end of his life, Jekyll stops mentioning his reputation which suggests that it isn’t his main concern any longer. His main concerns are the “horror of being Hyde” and losing control of himself. The fact that he is “careless” of what happens to Hyde in the future suggests that he is not worried about Hyde damaging his reputation any more.
