Ch 5 Quotes

Question 1

“The dismal quarter of Soho…had been kindled afresh to combat this mournful reinvasion of darkness… like a district of some city in a nightmare.”

Answer 1

Mr Hyde lives in Soho and this is used to establish his immoral character. When the novel was written, in 1886, Soho had a bad reputation as one of London’s most over-populated and run-down areas. Therefore, Stevenson locates him here to associate him with corruption

Question 2

“the hands are in many points identical” Henry Jekyll forge for a murderer!”

Answer 2

Utterson suspects that Jekyll is linked to the murder of Carew. However, he believes that Jekyll must be a victim, as an honourable gentleman could not be a perpetrator or hold any responsibility in a murder. As the handwriting is identical, there is potential for suspicions that Jekyll could be covering for a murder; but Utterson represses this curiosity to maintain his client’s reputation. The hinders his ability to progress further in his investigation. Moreover, this reflects a shortcoming in society: there is too much value and focus on outward appearances and reputation. This causes a widespread naivety in society to the idea that humans can have a darker side, with malicious, illogical intentions