Utterson

Question 1

Utterson quotes:

Answer 1

• “He was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintages”
• “You could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr Utterson a sincere and warm affection”
• “If he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek”
• “It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it”
• “There was borne in upon his mind a crushing anticipation of calamity”

Question 2

What themes does the quote “he was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintages” link with?

Answer 2

• Duality
• Repression
• Good vs evil
• Appearance vs reality

Question 3

Analyse “he was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintages”

Answer 3

• The adjective “austere” connotes a self-imposed strictness, Utterson is vital for examining the repressive nature of Victorian society and gives us broader insight into the struggles Jekyll faces and laments
• On a surface level, he is drinking “gin” to restrict himself from indulging in more expensive alcohol, the very act of drinking it is repressing or “mortify[ing]” his true desires. However, for this reason, drinking “gin” was associated with the lower classes therefore why he only drinks it alone to avoid tarnishing his reputation
• It is interesting he drinks “gin” when alone as it has a greater alcohol content than wine and drunkenness is associated with withdrawing your inhibitions. It suggests that he needs this respite from the austerity he faces in the public sphere.
• Perhaps, he is compensating for this breach in his own austerity by refusing to drink the alcohol he truly desires, to cling on to some semblance of austerity. This suggests a complex relationship between his private desires and his public image, highlighting the conflicts in navigating personal indulgence within a framework of public responsibility.

Question 4

What themes does the quote “you could see his looks that he cherished for Mr Utterson a sincere and warm affection” link to?

Answer 4

• Friendship + loyalty
• Appearance vs reality

Question 5

Analyse “you could see his looks that he cherished for Mr Utterson a sincere and warm affection”

Answer 5

• Utterson is a quintessential Victorian gentlemen. His sincerity and “warm affections” compound his trustworthy and virtuous nature
• The novella hinges on the motif of friendship and loyalty, embodied primarily through Utterson. He has genuine connections with Jekyll, Lanyon and Enfield providing a lens through which readers witness the successes of the pursuit of moral purity within Victorian society.
• The adjective “sincere” serves a dual purpose. It reinforces his trustworthiness and honesty, yet exposes how Utterson’s unwavering adherence to propriety and loyalty to his friends becomes his fatal flaw
• His focus on outward appearances, trained by his sterilising society, causes him to not witness the true heinousness of his beloved friend. Stevenson introduces a paradox through Utterson, the supposed moral compass, as he becomes a symbol of societal naivety in the face of hidden evil.

Question 6

What themes does the quote “if he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek” link to?

Answer 6

• Duality
• Repression
• Good vs evil
• Appearance vs reality

Question 7

Analyse “if he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek”

Answer 7

• “Hyde” and “seek” serve as symbols representing the inherent duality within humanity. Even in the persona of Utterson, defined by austerity and an inclination towards “Cain’s heresy” Stevenson reveals the presence of morbid fascination and curiosity that lurks beneath the facade of even the most refined and sterilised Victorian gentlemen.
• While Utterson may exhibit the exaggerated dualism of Jekyll, he nonetheless has his own suppressed desires and darker curiosity. This suggests that the repression of these impulses is not exclusive to Jekyll but is a universal aspect of human nature. even in individuals who outwardly conform to societal norms
• The homophonic nature of “Hyde” introduces the concept of disguise and illusion. Stevenson utilises this to expose the limitations of Victorian physiognomy
• Despite Utterson’s perceived shrewdness and perceptiveness, Stevenson portrays how Victorian ideals of physiognomy can be deceptive and misleading

Question 8

What themes does the quote “it is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it” link to?

Answer 8

• Duality
• Repression
• Good vs evil
• Appearance vs reality

Question 9

Analyse “it is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it”

Answer 9

• The use of the verb “conquer” evokes imagery of a battlefield and warfare, suggesting a metaphorical struggle within Utterson as he actively battles with his own human nature
• This paints a vivid picture of Utterson engaged in an internal conflict, wherein he perceives overcoming his innate curiosity as a significant triumph - Itterson perceives his natural curiosity as an enemy to be defeated
• The juxtaposition between “mortify” and “conquer” highlights the difference between merely suppressing curiosity and actively eradicating it. Utterson’s relentless efforts to subdue his curiosity reflect a deeply ingrained societal conditioning, wherein the repression of natural impulses is glorified as an achievement
• Utteron’s struggle reflects the hypocrisy and paradoxes in Victorian ideals. This compels the reader to question whether repressing curiosity is truly a mark of strength or a form of self-imposed limitation.

Question 10

What themes does the quote “there was borne in upon his mind a crushing anticipation of calamity” link to?

Answer 10

• Science vs religion
• Good vs evil

Question 11

Analyse “there was borne in upon his mind a crushing anticipation of calamity”

Answer 11

• The verb “bron” could allude to creation, which at the time would be typically associated with God, however, in this case it is linked to science. The significance of religion is being usurped by science.
• The phrase “crushing anticipation of calamity” implies a sense of impending doom, suggesting that Utterson has realised that the displacement of religious authority by scientific understanding may bring about chaos. This is as this upheaval threatens to disrupt the foundational principles of morality in society, which have rooted in religious dogma for centuries.
• In this chapter we also learn Utterson’s full name, “Gabriel John Utterson”, the ecclesiastical reference to Angel Gabriel highlights Utterson’s inherent goodness
• This could simultaneously be a criticism of religion, at times Utterson is quick to make assumptions and is incorrect, which could imply that there are flaws in the logic and discourses of religion. Stevenson uses Utterson’s name as another opportunity to subtly communicate controversial topics.