Utterson Key Themes Flashcards
“He was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone, to mortify a taste for vintages” chapter 1
Adjective austere: The adjective “austere” connotes a self imposed strictness, Utterson is vital for examining the repressive nature of Victorian society and gives us a broader insight into the struggles Jekyll faces.
On a surface level he is drinking “gin” to restrict himself from indulging in more expensive alcohol-wine. However, drinking “gin” was associated with the lower classes and seen as a more feminine drink (mothers ruin) thus why he drinks it alone to avoid tarnishing his reputation.
Perhaps, he is compensating for this breach of his own austerity by refusing to drink the alcohol he truly desires, to cling on to some semblance of austerity (sternness). 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.
“You could see by his (Jekylls) looks that he cherished for Mr Utterson a sincere and warm affection” chapter 3
Paragon of a Victorian gentleman: Utterson is a quintessential (perfect example) Victorian gentleman. His sincerity and “warm affections” compound histrustworthy 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.
Adjective “Sincere”: The adjective sincere serves a dual purpose. It reinforces his trustworthiness and honesty, yet exposes how Utterson’s unwavering adherence to propriety (respectable) 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.
“If he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek” chapter 2
Symbolism: “Hyde” and “seek” serve as symbols representing the inherent duality within humanity. Even in the persona of Utterson, defined by austerity, and an in linstion towards “Cains heresy. (doesn’t take responsiblity that lurks beneath the facade of even the most refined and sterilised Victorian gentlemen.
While Utterson may not 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.
Homophone of “Hyde”: 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.
“It is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it” chapter 6
“Conquer” image of battle: 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 - Utterson perceives his natural curiosity as an enemy to be defeated.
Juxtaposition: 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.
Utterson’s struggle reflects the hypocrisy and paradoxes in Victorian ideals. Can one truly be moral while suppressing a natural human instinct? This compels the reader to question whether repressing curiosity is truly a mark of strength or a form of self-imposed limitation.
“There was borne upon his mind a crushing anticipation of calamity” chapter 8
Verb “Borne”: the verb “borne” 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.
Religious allusions: 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.
