Utterson Flashcards
“A rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile”
Reserved character; seemingly not affected by emotion, this gives his voice authority as it is unlikely to be biased by emotionality. Aware of the divide between public and private persona in Victorian society.
“If he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek”
Utterson is a curious, inquisitive member of society - this quote displays the insatiable curiosity intrinsic to Utterson’s character which propels the plot of the novella forwards. He wishes to ensure his clients are safe. Emphasises the theme of duality, opposites, and contrast which is woven throughout the novella, providing Utterson with the role of investigator in the case of Jekyll & Hyde. The idea of hide and seek alludes to the detective novel conventions Stevenson “borrows”
in his work.
“The last good influence in the lives of down-going men”
He is the last chance at rescue for criminals. This shows that he is good in his role as lawyer as well as a man of significant morals.
“I shall consider it my duty to break in that door”
He is investigative, reasoned and rational - constantly wishing to protect the integrity and safety of his clients, whilst respecting their wishes, at all times. He feels duty bound to protect his friend, Jekyll. This shows the strength of his moral code especially when juxtaposed against Enfield who would have shied away long beforehand.
“I felt bound to do as he requested”
This highlights Utterson’s trustworthy nature and aptitude suited to that of his profession: law. It also demonstrates the strong relationship formed between Jekyll and Utterson.
“professional honour and faith to his dead friend were stringent obligations; and the packet slept in the inmost corner of his private safe.”
This demonstrates how, for Mr Utterson, friendship will always be valued over curiosity, even past the point of death. This also proves to the reader than Mr Utterson can be considered as a reliable narrator
“The lawyer put it in his pocket. ‘I would say nothing of this paper. If your master has fled or is dead, we may at least save his credit.”
By referencing Utterson’s profession here, Stevenson is also referring to the professional relationship he has with Dr Jekyll, in addition to the bond of friendship. Mr Utterson is worried about sustaining his relationship with Jekyll, both because he feels he should as his employee, but also as a friend.
“They have only differed on some points of science,’ he thought; and being a man of no scientific passions (except in the matter of conveyancing), he even added: ‘It is nothing worse than that!”
Science does not interest Mr Utterson therefore, he has no conflict of interest caused by strong opinions on science, making him the perfect person to research the relationship which has arisen between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. This may also make the reader relate to Mr Utterson, as the average member of Victorian society will not be overly involved in the realm of science, nor particularly interested. This emphasises his relatively reliable stance as a narrator.
“Sane and customary”
He’s a lover of the “sane and customary sides of life” which means that he does not like to engage with emotions or sentimental ideas - especially the ideas of transcendental medicine.
“Austere”
“mortify a taste for vintages”
Utterson is described as “austere” and he is strict with himself. In the opening pages of the book, he is described as drinking gin to “mortify a taste for vintages”, which means that he drinks alone, in private to try and put himself off the pleasure of drinking itself.
“loveable”
“Mr Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance, that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary, and yet somehow lovable”.
In the opening, Utterson is described with oxymorons and a series of adjectives that depict him as being a cold character, with a hint of “loveable” elements hidden behind his stern exterior: “Mr Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance, that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary, and yet somehow lovable”. This shows how he represses his emotions and he is the model of Victorian restraint and repression.
“cold”
“dreary”
Utterson rarely smiles and is described as “cold” and “dreary” - Stevenson is possibly criticising how Victorian men were expected to repress their emotions and their sentiments to appeal to society’s expectations of gender roles.
“a man of rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile”
He is a reserved character and seemingly not affected by emotion which gives his voice authority as it is unlikely to be biased emotionally. This suggests that he keeps to himself and is reserved. Furthermore, this also perhaps been a metaphor hinting to his profession as a lawyer.
Stevenson uses satire to describe Utterson and his profession as a lawyer by making a mockery of reputable Victorian men.
“I incline to Cain’s heresy”
Biblical allusion to the story of Cain and Abel - the Christian 19th Century audience would view Cain as the origin of greed and evil, therefore this story can be seen as symbolic of the duality within Jekyll and Hyde. Through this we can imply that evil is intrinsic to human nature therefore Jekyll cannot truly ever get rid of these traits. Utterson means that his “sin” is that he doesn’t get involved in other personal affairs however he breaks this with Jekyll.
Writers intention: to ensure the reader is aware of this juxtaposition within their own society
Readers response: religious references common in gothic fiction and the seriousness of the Bible contrasts the fantastical concepts of the novel
