Jekyll Flashcards
(8 cards)
‘…Henry Jekyll, M.D, D.C.L….etc.’
The use of multiple professional and academic titles (M.D. – Doctor of Medicine; D.C.L. – Doctor of Civil Law; LL.D. – Doctor of Laws; F.R.S. – Fellow of the Royal Society) elevates Jekyll’s status as a respected member of Victorian society.
‘He began to go wrong, wrong in mind’
The repetition of the word “wrong” emphasizes Lanyon’s strong disapproval and growing concern. It reflects intensifying moral and psychological deterioration, with the second “wrong” clarifying that it’s not physical, but mental or philosophical—a deviation from accepted scientific reason or moral judgment.
‘have seen devilish little of the man’
The phrase “devilish little” is a colloquial expression, meaning “very little.” It adds a casual, conversational tone to Lanyon’s dialogue, typical of the restrained Victorian gentleman. However, the understatement masks a deeper disapproval and concern, adding to the tension and mystery surrounding Jekyll’s behaviour.
“something of a slyish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness”
Stevenson places ‘slyish cast’ alongside ‘every mark of capacity and kindness’, contrasting subtle deceit with obvious virtue. The word ‘slyish’ is a gentle, euphemistic way of acknowledging something morally ambiguous in Jekyll’s appearance or manner.
‘estranged Damon and Pythias’
This is an allusion to the Greek legend of Damon and Pythias, where the friendship between the two characters was extremely strong. The fact that the science that Jekyll is doing would have split them reflects how deep the rift between Lanyon and Jekyll has become. It shows Lanyon’s aversion to the unknown and Jekyll’s fascination with it.
‘You must suffer me to go my own dark way’
The word choice ‘dark way’ suggests that Jekyll is in danger, and that he has no escape from his fate. This contrast to how healthy he was at the beginning of the chapter creates dramatic tension.
‘If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also’
The balanced sentence structure juxtaposes two ideas with a stark contrast between sin and suffering — but also links them with equal weight. The idea that one can be both the worst sinner and the greatest sufferer is a paradox. Jekyll recognizes that his moral fall has led to spiritual torment, not liberation.
‘… scientific balderdash’
The term ‘scientific’ normally suggests reason and credibility, while ‘balderdash’ means the opposite. Putting them together creates a contradiction that emphasizes the unnaturalness or immorality of Jekyll’s work.
