Silence

Question 1

“the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask”

Answer 1

Mr Enfield says that “the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask”. If someone is
on Queer Street then they are facing difficulty of some form, usually financial. Mr Enfield is saying that the more it looks like someone is facing difficulty, the less he prys. “Queer street” is an example of a colloquialism so shows that the sentiment is an intrinsic aspect of Mr Enfield to the point that it has entered his idiolect.

Question 2

“long tongue”

Answer 2

Later in the chapter, Mr Enfield chastises his “long tongue”. This phrase shows he is
criticising himself for gossiping and should instead stay silent with his opinions. This shows that whilst many characters claim to avoid gossiping and prying into other people’s business they will do so anyway, especially in the presence of people they trust.

Question 3

“he gives a strong feeling of deformity”

Answer 3

Characters find themselves speechless because of Hyde. When faced with the subhuman, language is not enough to express the emotions felt by characters.