Character- Mr Enfield

Question 1

Characters + Analysis

Answer 1

“The more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask.” (Chapter 1)
-Analysis: Enfield admits he avoids investigating anything suspicious to protect others’ (and his own) reputation.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson criticises Victorian society’s willingness to ignore immorality in order to maintain a façade of respectability. Reputation is valued more than truth.
Theme: Reputation and Secrecy

“It is one of those affairs that no man has ever mentioned.” (Chapter 1)
-Analysis: Enfield’s comment reflects the cultural expectation to keep disgraceful matters hidden and unspoken.
-Grade 9 Insight: The refusal to discuss sin highlights the toxic repression of Victorian morals and Stevenson’s warning against burying the truth.
Theme: Reputation and Secrecy

“I saw that Sawbones turn sick and white with the desire to kill him.” (Chapter 1)
-Analysis: Even a doctor, sworn to save lives, instinctively wants to harm Hyde when he sees him.
-Grade 9 Insight: Enfield’s observation shows that Hyde’s evil is visceral and instinctively recognised, suggesting that evil transcends reason and affects even the most rational people.
Theme: Morality and Judgment

“Really like Satan.” (Chapter 1)
-Analysis: Enfield compares Hyde directly to Satan, emphasising the supernatural evil in Hyde’s appearance.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson uses religious imagery to reflect how Hyde embodies pure, innate wickedness — Enfield’s immediate judgement shows the depth of Hyde’s unnaturalness.
Theme: Morality and Judgment

“There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable.” (Chapter 1)
-Analysis: Enfield can’t pinpoint what’s wrong with Hyde—only that he is instinctively repulsed.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson shows that evil is felt rather than seen; appearances can deceive, but instinct recognises hidden corruption.
Theme: Appearance vs Reality