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Flashcards in Jekyll and Hyde Deck (13)
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1
Q

How does Stevenson present Mr Hyde

A

As the antagonist of Stevenson’s novel, Mr Hyde is an enigmatic character that appears to have an irrepressible desire for violence. Thus, through Mr Hyde the writer could be trying to explore hidden aspects of Victorian society and unconscious yearnings of humanity. Stevenson may be depicting an evolved race, escaping sin and the temptation of predispositions . Hyde might denote everything that humanity fears.

2
Q

“pale and dwarfish”

A

perception of evil as a force that is morally reductive: it takes moral stature away from a person - suggests he is an degenerate and underdeveloped.

3
Q

“something troglodytic”

A
(a troglodyte is a cave dweller, a human from pre-historical times). 
Connotes to animalistic qualities / society where social standards were less constricted and contrained.
This would Appal the Victorian reader (upper class men) who hold pride in the values and ethics of society - reminder of TOE
4
Q

“satans signature”

A

Metaphor captures the difficulty in describing an encounter with pure evil embodied in Hyde
Draws attention to the literal belief in the Devil (prevalent belief)
Although the modern reader may not believe in the literal devil, the mystery of evil continues the fascinate contemporary readers.

5
Q

“trampled calmly”

A

Hyde returns from a night of debauchery
The juxtaposition of the words is oxymoronic, suggesting a violent action coupled with an attitude of relaxed concern.
Shows the complete disregard for the well-being of a child
The modern reader might consider behaviour psycopathic as such individuals are not troubled if they inflict suffering upon another person.

6
Q

“it”

A

The repetition of the pronoun emphasises Hyde is unhumane.

7
Q

“chief jewel of his week”

A

Utterson’s main pleasure in life was to walk with his friend. Metaphor implies that both friendship and love a walk were valuable to him.

8
Q

“Here was austere with himself”

A

He is a good man who endeavours to save his friend from the clutches of evil.
Contrasts self discipline with Jekyll’s self indulgence.
He will not give free rein to his appetite for the pleasures, he does not develop expensive/indulgent habits

9
Q

“the last good influence in the lives of the down going”

A

He cares about the moral wellbeing of his friends and tries to influence them without condemnation
Hints at moral weakness within an individual

10
Q

“a great chocolate - coloured pall lowered over heaven”

A

A pall is a cloth used for covering over a coffin, it mirrors the death that has just occurred (pathetic fallacy)
Evil is presented as a blanket in the sky which blots out the light
Suggests unrestrained sin leads to the death of the soul.
Victorians would believe that this would separate a man from god

11
Q

“a haggard shaft of daylight would glance”

A

symbolises battle - an invasion of darkness is a war between good and evil engaged within Dr Jekyll
The word “haggard” suggests a darkness and sickness of the daylight/the corruption of individuals.

12
Q

Extended metaphor of buildings

A

illustration of the population of London and morally sick that exist among moral/spiritually well.
Neglected buildings are presented as “sick” when left to “go their own” way without regular maintenance - juxtaposes Utterson and Jekyll.

13
Q

“a sinister block of buildings thrust forward”

A

Personification implies power of sickness to overwhelm: it is aggressive and pervasive.