Utterson Flashcards
How is Utterson described in the opening of the novella. Story of the door?
“man of rugged countenance” “Never lightened by a smile” “cold scanty and embarrassed in discourse” “backward in sentiment” “lean, long, dusty and dreary and yet somehow loveable” “something eminently human beaconed from his eye.”
How is Utterson described as a reserved character who attempts to suppress his urges?
” He was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone to mortify a taste for vintages” “Though he enjoyed the theatre, had not crossed the doors of one for twenty years” “Sometimes wondering, almost in envy” at others’ misdeeds”
How is utterson described to be almost envious of those who commit misdeeds?
“He had an approved tolerance for others; sometimes wondering, almost in envy at the high pressure of spirits involved in their misdeeds”
What is the relationship between Utterson and Enfield described as?
” a nut to crack for many” “they said nothing” “Would hail with obvious relief the appearance of a friend” “even resisted the calls of business”
How does Utterson feel when he first goes to Dr Jekyll’s- after having met Hyde?
“he felt nausea and a distaste of life”
Quote that shows utterson is trying to solve the mystery even in his sleep.
“still he was digging at the problem”
How is utterson and Mr Enfield described when they have seen a glimpse of Hyde? Then what does utterson say? Incident at the window?
“They were both pale; there was an answering horror in their eyes.” “God forgive us, God forgive us”
Utterson is suggested as a hypocrite…
“Wandering, almost with envy, at the high pressure of spirits..”
- Suggests he yearns to fulfill his condemned desires- however he represses them- he is unwilling to give into evil and sin (as wants to withstand his very orthodox and reputable reputation!)
How is Utterson described to be a man who is loyal but also a hypocrite?
“In any extremity inclined to help rather than to reprove” - “extremity”- extreme trouble with the law/ adultery etc.. - he will help them rather than criticise or reprove.
- shows he is loyal but a hypocrite, he is helping people get away with misdeeds ( which he himself thinks he shouldn’t do!)
Utterson is a lawyer. How is irony used?
- He is a lawyer (meant to be on the right side of the law- but seems to be attracted to those who are on the wrong side- he is not who he appears to be)
- “Embarrassed in discourse” - ironic- he is the social pivot of the novel (all the other men in the novel are drawn to Utterson.
- “Dusty” “dreary”- suggests he’s boring however all the characters love Utterson- he will turn a blind eye to their sinning which is what makes him attractive!
- “drank gin” - shows he’s irresponsible. - “frequently his fortune to be the last reputable acquaintance and the last good influence in the lives of down going men” (he is envious for the vicarious pleasure he will receive in the evil misdeeds they are commiting.)
Utterson is described to be deliberately boring.
e. g.
* “cold” “scanty” “dusty” “dreary” and he never stoops to gossip.*
What does this suggest about him and why does this make him a great character to be a narrator?
- Keeping a gentlemans secret is an honorable thing to do-even if the activity taking place is immoral.
- Reveals cracks in this rigid, civilized fascade - cracks which make Utterson an ideal person to persue the bizarre case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Utterson is envious of those who are immoral- he would like to be able to fulfill his condemned desires through another person!)
Utterson is loyal to his friends-no matter how sinful they are. Who does Utterson present and what are his characturistics?
- Presents the perfect Victorian Gentleman
- He consistently seeks to preserve order and decorum.
- He doesn’t gossip.
- He guards his friends repuation as though they were his own
- Even when he suspects Dr Jekyll of criminal activities- (blackmailing or sheltering the murderer) , he prefers to sweep what he has learned rather than bring ruin upon his good friend!
