Analysis of chapter 6

Question 1

Give two examples that show Jekyll tries to turn his life around after Carew’s death.

Answer 1

He begins to socialise with his friends again and become involved in religion.

Question 2

True or False? Utterson is upset that Jekyll refuses to see him.

Answer 2

True. Jekyll’s absence from Utterson’s life weighs “upon his spirits”

Question 3

Why does Utterson choose not to read the letter that he is given after Lanyon’s death?

Answer 3

His “professional honour and faith to his dead friend” stop him from opening and reading the letter.

Question 4

How has Lanyon’s behaviour changed since the start of the story? Use examples in your answer.

Answer 4

In this chapter, Lanyon has a manner which suggests a “deep-seated terror of the mind”. This shows that his manner has become much more subdued than earlier in the novella, where he is described as “boisterous and decided”. In ‘Search for Mr Hyde’ he also behaves in an energetic way — he immediately springs up to greet Utterson, whereas now he seems weak, speaking with an “unsteady voice” and holding up a “trembling hand”.

Question 5

How does Lanyon react when Utterson mentions Jekyll? What effect does this have on the reader?

Answer 5

He says he is “quite done” with Jekyll and wishes to “see or hear no more of” him. His dramatic reaction creates a sense of mystery for the reader, as they don’t know why Lanyon is so upset by the mention of Jekyll. Lanyon can’t even say Jekyll’s name, instead calling him “that person” — this emphasises that Jekyll must have done something terrible to offend Lanyon.