reputation/ repression Flashcards
introduction:
Stevenson’s ‘The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde’ was a Victorian novella published in 1886, which explores the complexities of science and the duplicity of human nature. Stevenson presents reputation not just as a social performance, but as a mechanism of repression that causes moral decay and the fracturing of identity. It is a destructive force throughout- particularly through Jekyll’s internal conflict with him and his counterpart, Hyde.
3x key ideas:
- pressure
- Utterson and Enfield
- can lead to destruction
topic sentence for paragraph 1 (pressure)
From the outset, Stevenson shows how the pressure to maintain a respectable reputation forces Jekyll to repress his desires.
quotes to use for paragraph 1 (pressure):
“hence it came about that I concealed my pleasures”
“house” “separate identities” “relieve life of all that was unbearable”
“began to profit by the strange immunities”
analyse “hence it came about that I concealed my pleasures”
From the outset, Stevenson shows how the pressure to maintain a respectable reputation forces Jekyll to repress his desires. He confesses ‘hence it came about that I concealed my pleasures’, suggesting that his actions are not necessarily evil in themselves, but unacceptable within the strict moral codes of Victorian society. The verb ‘concealed’ implies deliberate suppression, while the noun ‘pleasures’ hints at something enjoyable yet shameful. This duality reflects how Jekyll is torn between his natural impulses and societal expectations, forcing him to live a double life.
analyse “house” “separate identities” “relieve life of all that was unbearable”
This is particularly evident when he wishes to ‘house’ each part of himself ‘in separate identities’, as that would ‘relieve’ life ‘of all that was unbearable’. The verb ‘housed’ evokes a clinical, almost mechanical approach to human identity, as if one’s moral self could be confined to a physical vessel- he only wishes to isolate the sinful part of himself to protect his reputation. Meanwhile the adjective ‘unbearable’ reflects how suffocating the demands of respectability have become, implying that Jekyll does not seek moral clarity, but instead relief from the pressure to conform.
analyse “began to profit by the strange immunities”
This is highlighted when he achieves this separation and begins ‘to profit by the strange immunities’ of the situation, suggesting that Hyde offers him a sense of impunity. The noun ‘profit’ doesn’t necessarily imply financial gain, but rather a psychological or experiential reward. Yet having this coupled with ‘strange’ infers that he is aware that it is morally wrong and unusual, but he still believes that this ‘position’ will keep him ‘immune’ from consequence.
paragraph 1 analysis (pressure):
From the outset, Stevenson shows how the pressure to maintain a respectable reputation forces Jekyll to repress his desires. He confesses ‘hence it came about that I concealed my pleasures’, suggesting that his actions are not necessarily evil in themselves, but unacceptable within the strict moral codes of Victorian society. The verb ‘concealed’ implies deliberate suppression, while the noun ‘pleasures’ hints at something enjoyable yet shameful. This duality reflects how Jekyll is torn between his natural impulses and societal expectations, forcing him to live a double life. This is particularly evident when he wishes to ‘house’ each part of himself ‘in separate identities’, as that would ‘relieve’ life ‘of all that was unbearable’. The verb ‘housed’ evokes a clinical, almost mechanical approach to human identity, as if one’s moral self could be confined to a physical vessel- he only wishes to isolate the sinful part of himself to protect his reputation. Meanwhile the adjective ‘unbearable’ reflects how suffocating the demands of respectability have become, implying that Jekyll does not seek moral clarity, but instead relief from the pressure to conform. This is highlighted when he achieves this separation and begins ‘to profit by the strange immunities’ of the situation, suggesting that Hyde offers him a sense of impunity. The noun ‘profit’ doesn’t necessarily imply financial gain, but rather a psychological or experiential reward. Yet having this coupled with ‘strange’ infers that he is aware that it is morally wrong and unusual, but he still believes that this ‘position’ will keep him ‘immune’ from consequence.
topic sentence for paragraph 2 (Utterson and Enfield):
Repression is also evident through the behaviours of other gentlemen. Characters like Enfield and Utterson embody the societal urge to preserve reputation at all costs, often through silence.
quotes to use for paragraph 2 (Utterson and Enfield):
“I make it a rule of mine, the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask”
“no gentleman but wishes to avoid a scene- name your figure”
“I am ashamed of my long tongue”
analyse “I make it a rule of mine, the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask”
Repression is also evident through the behaviours of other gentlemen. Characters like Enfield and Utterson embody the societal urge to preserve reputation at all costs, often through silence. Enfield’s ‘rule’ of refusing to ‘ask’ or delve into potentially troubling matters (if it ‘looks like Queer Street’) suggests that avoiding scandal is more important than uncovering the truth. His use of the phrase ‘Queer Street’ subtly implies an undercurrent of secrecy and moral ambiguity, suggesting that London is filled with unspoken horrors that are deliberately ignored. This mirrors Jekyll’s own repression of his darker desires that he eventually gives in to. This approach illustrates what Victorian gentlemen would have done as they valued their reputation more than anything.
analyse “no gentleman but wishes to avoid a scene- name your figure”
Similarly, Hyde’s line ‘no gentleman but wishes to avoid a scene- name your figure’, reveals his understanding of these social values. He exploits the true Victorian gentleman desire to keep affairs private and without a public scandal (instead of making his name ‘stink from one end of London to the other’). Also, by reducing his violent act to a financial transaction, Hyde corrupts the very values that supposedly uphold reputation and civility.
analyse “I am ashamed of my long tongue”
Furthermore, Utterson’s later line, ‘I am ashamed of my long tongue’, reflects the Victorian emphasis on discretion. His self-reproach indicates that speaking too openly is seen as damaging- not only to other’s reputation but to one’s own. Finally, the dual narrative structure reflects how the public perspective (Utterson) filters the readers’ understanding of Jekyll’s repression until the final revelation.
paragraph 2 analysis (Utterson and Enfield):
Repression is also evident through the behaviours of other gentlemen. Characters like Enfield and Utterson embody the societal urge to preserve reputation at all costs, often through silence. Enfield’s ‘rule’ of refusing to ‘ask’ or delve into potentially troubling matters (if it ‘looks like Queer Street’) suggests that avoiding scandal is more important than uncovering the truth. His use of the phrase ‘Queer Street’ subtly implies an undercurrent of secrecy and moral ambiguity, suggesting that London is filled with unspoken horrors that are deliberately ignored. This mirrors Jekyll’s own repression of his darker desires that he eventually gives in to. This approach illustrates what Victorian gentlemen would have done as they valued their reputation more than anything. Similarly, Hyde’s line ‘no gentleman but wishes to avoid a scene- name your figure’, reveals his understanding of these social values. He exploits the true Victorian gentleman desire to keep affairs private and without a public scandal (instead of making his name ‘stink from one end of London to the other’). Also, by reducing his violent act to a financial transaction, Hyde corrupts the very values that supposedly uphold reputation and civility. Furthermore, Utterson’s later line, ‘I am ashamed of my long tongue’, reflects the Victorian emphasis on discretion. His self-reproach indicates that speaking too openly is seen as damaging- not only to other’s reputation but to one’s own. Finally, the dual narrative structure reflects how the public perspective (Utterson) filters the readers’ understanding of Jekyll’s repression until the final revelation.
topic sentence for paragraph 3 (can lead to destruction):
Finally, Jekyll’s eventual collapse illustrates how repressing one’s true self can lead to psychological destruction.
quotes to use in paragraph 3 (can lead to destruction):
“dark influence”
“If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also”
“my devil had long been caged, he came out roaring”
analyse “dark influence”
Finally, Jekyll’s eventual collapse illustrates how repressing one’s true self can lead to psychological destruction. As Hyde gains more control, Jekyll refers to him as a ‘dark influence’, showing how his supressed urges have power of Jekyll, shaping his behaviour, thoughts and values. The phrase ‘dark influence’ also has negative connotations, suggesting a malevolent force- but one that originates from within. It could be seen as an addiction, where, initially he was thrilled by the freedom that Hyde offers and repeatedly returns to the transformation, even though he grows more disturbed by Hyde’s actions. This ‘influence’ becomes increasingly stronger until Jekyll is unable to resist and repress Hyde anymore.
analyse “If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also”
This is emphasised when Jekyll states ‘If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also’. The repetition of ‘chief’ (which has connotations of being the most important or main) conveys that Jekyll sees himself as the ultimate example of ‘sin’ and ‘suffering’, showcasing how deeply internalised Victorian morality has become. He is not only condemned by society but also by his own conscience.
analyse “my devil had long been caged, he came out roaring”
Most powerfully, he reflects that ‘my devil had been long caged’ and ‘came out roaring’. Here, the metaphor of the ‘caged’ devil symbolises the repression of all that a Victorian society deems unacceptable. The fact that it had been ‘long caged’ highlights Jekyll’s lifelong struggle to maintain a respectable facade- he had metaphorically locked away his instincts to meet these social expectations. Finally, the verb ‘roaring’ evokes animalistic imagery and an explosive release, suggesting that suppressing natural urges only makes their return more violent. The fact that the reader only finds this out through his confessional letter (epistolary form) reflets how truth is only permitted in private, posthumous spaces which further emphasises the theme of reputation.
paragraph 3 analysis (can lead to destruction):
Finally, Jekyll’s eventual collapse illustrates how repressing one’s true self can lead to psychological destruction. As Hyde gains more control, Jekyll refers to him as a ‘dark influence’, showing how his supressed urges have power of Jekyll, shaping his behaviour, thoughts and values. The phrase ‘dark influence’ also has negative connotations, suggesting a malevolent force- but one that originates from within. It could be seen as an addiction, where, initially he was thrilled by the freedom that Hyde offers and repeatedly returns to the transformation, even though he grows more disturbed by Hyde’s actions. This ‘influence’ becomes increasingly stronger until Jekyll is unable to resist and repress Hyde anymore. This is emphasised when Jekyll states ‘If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also’. The repetition of ‘chief’ (which has connotations of being the most important or main) conveys that Jekyll sees himself as the ultimate example of ‘sin’ and ‘suffering’, showcasing how deeply internalised Victorian morality has become. He is not only condemned by society but also by his own conscience. Most powerfully, he reflects that ‘my devil had been long caged’ and ‘came out roaring’. Here, the metaphor of the ‘caged’ devil symbolises the repression of all that a Victorian society deems unacceptable. The fact that it had been ‘long caged’ highlights Jekyll’s lifelong struggle to maintain a respectable facade- he had metaphorically locked away his instincts to meet these social expectations. Finally, the verb ‘roaring’ evokes animalistic imagery and an explosive release, suggesting that suppressing natural urges only makes their return more violent. The fact that the reader only finds this out through his confessional letter (epistolary form) reflets how truth is only permitted in private, posthumous spaces which further emphasises the theme of reputation.
conclusion:
Therefore, Stevenson presents reputation and repression as intertwined forces that trap individuals in hypocrisy and lead to inevitable self-destruction. The use of multiple narrative perspectives, particularly Utterson’s external observations contrasted with Jekyll’s confessional letter, mirrors the dual existence enforced by Victorian repression. Only in death can Jekyll relinquish the mask of respectability and expose the cost of maintaining it. Perhaps Stevenson is critiquing the Victorian obsession with appearances, warning readers (both contemporary and modern) of the dangers of living a life dictated by fear or judgement and shame.
