Secrecy Flashcards
context and themes
Jekyll keeps the truth about Hyde a secret for most of the novella.
Give an example of another secret in the novella.
It is never explained why Enfield was out at 3am in ‘Story of the Door’
Why does Utterson say he tells many of his secrets to?
Utterson tells his secrets to Guest, his clerk.
Why does Jekyll keep the exact formula of the potion a secret?
Jekyll says that he keeps the “scientific branch” of his confession secret because he has learnt that trying an experiment like his only leads to “more awful pressure” and because he knows his work was incomplete. This suggests he doesn’t want other people to suffer.
How are closed or locked doors used to symbolise secrecy in the novella?
Doors are closed or locked when they hide mysteries and opened when it’s time to reveal those mysteries. For example, towards the end of the novella, Jekyll locks himself away in his cabinet to hide his transformations into Hyde. When Poole then breaks down the cabinet door, this symbolises the end of the secrecy.
‘Stevenson controls when secrets are revealed to create suspense.’
Do you agree?
Give examples from the text in your answer.
Stevenson’s control of when secrets are revealed does create suspense. This is often achieved through the use of letters with important information in them, such as the one from Lanyon. When the letter is opened, there is a further letter inside. This letter is not opened immediately, which builds up the reader’s anticipation for the contents.
