UTTERSON QUOTES Flashcards
” a rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile”
reserved and seemingly unaffected by emotion makes him perfect for narration no apparent bias
“If he be Mr Hyde I shall be Mr Seek”
innate curiousity which propels the plot
“the last good influence in the lives of down-going men”
a role model, a man of significant morals even for the worst men
” I shall consider it my duty to break down that door”
investigative, well-reasoned, rational and duty-bound to protect his friend
“professional honour and faith to his dead friend were stringent obligations”
extremely loyal to Lanyon and all his friends. friendship valued over curiosity making him a reliable narrator
“besieged by questions”
warlike imagery to emphasise just how curiosity is attacking his brain with questions he does not know the answer to
“Hyde sat heavy on his memory”
physical impact of Utterson’s insatiable curiosity in this metaphor
“I let my brother go to the devil in his won way”
Utterson indulges in misbehaviour without judgement and doesn’t feel compelled to impose his values on others
“His affections, live ivy, were the growth of time”
builds up friendships over time and indiscriminately. Becomes attached to people who’ve been there for a long time does not select friends carefully
‘“Pull yourself together, Bradshaw,” “This suspense, I know, is telling upon all of you; but it is now our intention to make an end of it”’
figure of authority, acts with determination. He is decisive, keeps his feet on the ground and acts rationally
“backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary”
list of adjectives describe him as a simple man with not much to him but he is still ‘somehow lovable”
“had an approved tolerance for others”
embodies admirable traits of tolerance. accepting of all even those starkly different to him
“drank gin, the poor man’s drink”
was austere wiht himself, is not self-indulgent
“although he enjoyed theatre had not crossed the door of one for twenty years”
Utterson does not value or uphold keeping himself happy. he finds much more comfort in maintaining a clean reputation in society even if it means he starves himself of things he once enjoyed
“God forgive us! God forgive us”
religion appears to be rigid in his life and he actively calls out to God in times of need
“His past was fairly blameless; few men could read the rolls of their life with less apprehension; yet he was humbled to the dust by the many ill things he had done, and raised up again into a sober and fearful gratitude by the many he had come so near to doing yet avoided.”
in short, Utterson reflects on his own life’s doings after brooding on what information Hyde could have on Jekyll.
Utterson retreats into complacency that in contrast, his own past would hold up to judgment. Utterson’s preoccupation with his virtue highlights the Victorian era’s importance placed on respectability and morality.
“well, murdered what could induce the murderer to stay? That won’t hold water; it doesn’t commend itself to reason.”
further evidence of Jekyll testing out plausible theories to ensure he is being logical and rational and not getting riddled with fantasies instead
“wondering with envy at the high pressure of spirits involved in their misdeeds”
Utterson is curious and almost jealous of what encourages people to commit heinous doings and fails to understand the reasoning behind it
“mark of a modest man”
ideal Victorian gentleman, humble, comfortable with his masculinity and keeps a stiff upper lip
