Respectability

Question 1

Overview

Answer 1

In The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, respectability drives the characters’ actions, with Dr. Jekyll desperately trying to maintain his esteemed social status. His transformation into Hyde allows him to indulge in his darker impulses without tarnishing his outward image. This struggle reveals the dangers of upholding respectability at the cost of personal integrity and morality.

Question 2

Quotes

Answer 2

‘We could and would make such a scandal out of this’ - Pg 2
‘Must have secrets of his own; black secrets’ - Pg 9
‘If it came to a trial your name might appear’ - Pg 15
‘I concealed my pleasures’ - Pg 34

Question 3

‘Must have secrets of his own; black secrets’

Answer 3

Point -

Choice - The phrase “must have secrets of his own; black secrets” implies that even the most respectable men hide immoral truths. The adjective “black” suggests something corrupt and shameful, linking secrecy to moral decay.

Effect - It creates intrigue and reinforces the idea that Victorian gentlemen, despite their outward respectability, often harboured dark, hidden sins.
In Victorian society, reputation was paramount. Many concealed their vices to maintain social standing, making them vulnerable to blackmail and scandal, as seen in Jekyll’s double life.

Question 4

‘If it came to a trial your name might appear’

Answer 4

Point -

Choice - The phrase “if it came to a trial your name might appear” highlights the fear of public exposure. The conditional “if” suggests the fragility of Jekyll’s reputation, while “might appear” implies that even association with a crime could lead to scandal.

Effect - It reinforces the theme that maintaining a respectable image was more important than morality, as even suspicion could destroy a man’s standing. In Victorian society, reputation defined a gentleman’s status. Public disgrace could lead to social and professional ruin, forcing individuals like Jekyll to lead double lives.

Question 5

‘We could and would make such a scandal out of this’

Answer 5

Point -

Choice - The repetition of “could and would” emphasises Enfield’s certainty that public exposure would ruin a reputation. The word “scandal” reflects Victorian society’s obsession with maintaining appearances, where any hint of disgrace could lead to social ruin.

Effect - The reader sees how deeply reputation governs Victorian life. Enfield’s focus on scandal, rather than morality, highlights the hypocrisy of the upper class, who valued appearance over true virtue. In Victorian society, a damaged reputation could lead to financial and social downfall. Blackmail and secrecy were common, as individuals feared exposure of hidden sins.

Question 6

‘I concealed my pleasures’

Answer 6

Point -

Choice - Stevenson uses the verb “concealed” to highlight Jekyll’s deliberate suppression of his darker, more immoral desires. The word choice emphasises Jekyll’s repression and his fear of exposing his true nature, directly linking to the theme of secrecy.

Effect - The reader is drawn into Jekyll’s internal struggle, evoking both sympathy and unease. The phrase suggests a tension between his public persona and hidden desires, raising questions about the dangers of self-deception.In the context of Victorian society, reputation and morality were central. People were expected to uphold a facade of respectability, often repressing or concealing their true feelings and behaviors. Jekyll’s confession reflects the pressures of Victorian norms, revealing how repression and secrecy can lead to destructive consequences.