Jekyll and Hyde Analysis Flashcards
“The man trampled calmly over the child’s body and left her screaming.”
Choice - Stevenson uses the oxymoron “trampled calmly” to highlight Hyde’s brutal and unfeeling nature. The calmness of the action contrasts sharply with the violence of the act, reflecting Hyde’s lack of empathy and morality.
Effect - This juxtaposition of calmness and violence shocks the reader, reinforcing Hyde’s monstrous nature. The image of trampling a helpless child with such indifference would invoke disgust, reinforcing the theme of unchecked evil.
Context: In the Victorian era, the concept of the ‘gentleman’ was central to social life, and Hyde’s actions challenge these notions of moral respectability and civility, suggesting that evil can exist within seemingly respectable people.
“Strong feeling of deformity.”
Choice - The word “deformity” immediately suggests that Hyde is physically abnormal. In the context of Victorian values, where physical appearance was often linked to character, this suggests that Hyde’s moral corruption is outwardly visible.
Effect - This description would elicit fear and repulsion from a Victorian audience, for whom appearances were paramount. They would associate physical deformity with moral degeneration, reflecting the era’s fascination with physiognomy—the belief that a person’s outward appearance revealed their inner nature.
Context - The Victorian era was deeply concerned with morality and social order. The notion that physical deformity could represent evil would be particularly unsettling to readers, reinforcing the theme of duality and the fear of hidden, uncontrollable forces within individuals.
“Shrank back with a hissing intake of a breath.”
Choice: The hissing sound and animalistic imagery highlight Hyde’s primal, supernatural nature, likening him to a wild creature rather than a civilised man.
Effect - This evokes fear and unease, suggesting Hyde is something beyond human, linked to dark, supernatural forces.
Context: In Victorian society, where Darwin’s theory of evolution was gaining prominence, the idea of repressed, primitive instincts within humans was unsettling. Hyde’s animalistic qualities challenge the belief in human progress and rationality, tapping into fears about the darker, uncivilised aspects of human nature that Darwinism suggested could be lurking beneath the surface.
‘He broke out in a great flame of anger’
Choice - Stevenson uses the metaphor of a “flame” to describe Hyde’s anger, indicating it is explosive and uncontrollable. The verb “broke out” suggests that his rage erupts suddenly, showcasing Hyde’s violent nature.
Effect - The reader feels a sense of unease, as the violence is both intense and unrestrained. This emphasizes Hyde’s unpredictability and danger.
Context - In Victorian society, where self-control was highly valued, Hyde’s violence challenges the ideal of the composed, moral man. His outbursts reflect the era’s fear of repressed instincts breaking free.
“Digging among the crates.”
Choice - The verb “digging” suggests a primal, almost animalistic behaviour, as if Hyde is foraging or scavenging, devoid of civility. This action hints at his atavistic qualities, as he engages in behaviour that seems regressive and beneath human dignity.
Effect - The reader is made uncomfortable, as Hyde’s actions evoke the image of an unthinking, instinct-driven creature, alienating him further from the rational, composed Victorian ideal.
Context - Darwinism and the theory of evolution emphasised humanity’s animal origins. Hyde’s atavistic nature implies he represents a throwback to earlier, uncivilised stages of human development, highlighting the Victorian fear of regression into savagery.
‘Beheld the face of Edward Hyde’
Choice - The word “beheld” emphasises the gravity of the moment when Hyde’s true identity is finally seen. It suggests a moment of realization or revelation, making the reader aware of the significance of his appearance. Focusing on Hyde’s face highlights the theme of appearance versus reality, as his physical form symbolises his inner evil.
Effect - The reader feels the tension of Hyde’s hidden nature being uncovered. The revelation adds suspense and unease, as Hyde’s evil is now clearly visible.
Context - In Victorian society, outward appearance was often seen as an indicator of character. Hyde’s face symbolizes the concealed darkness that society feared would undermine its values of respectability and moral integrity.
‘A large, well-made, smooth-faced man’
Choice - Stevenson uses physiognomy to depict Jekyll as the ideal Victorian gentleman, with his “smooth-faced” appearance suggesting respectability and moral integrity.
Effect - This creates a stark contrast with Hyde, whose deformities later highlight the duality of Jekyll’s character, making his transformation more shocking.
Context - In Victorian society, outward appearance was linked to character. Jekyll’s polished image aligns with social expectations, while Hyde’s physical ugliness emphasizes the hidden darkness within.
‘Dr Jekyll grew pale and there came a blackness about his eye’
Choice - The description of Jekyll’s physical change—growing pale with a “blackness” in his eyes—symbolises his inner turmoil and the secrecy surrounding his transformation into Hyde.
Effect - This visual shift suggests the conflict between Jekyll’s public persona and the dark, hidden side of his character. It creates a sense of unease and foreshadows the revealing of his secrets.
Context - In Victorian society, reputation and maintaining a controlled exterior were highly valued. Jekyll’s physical deterioration reflects the consequences of his concealed actions and the eventual unraveling of his hidden life.
‘Like some disconsolate prisoner’
Choice - Stevenson uses a simile comparing Jekyll to a “disconsolate prisoner,” symbolising his sense of entrapment. The word “disconsolate” emphasises his deep despair, reflecting his inner conflict.
Effect - This comparison evokes sympathy, showing how Jekyll is psychologically imprisoned by his duality, reinforcing the theme of internal struggle.
Context - In Victorian society, repression of darker impulses was central to moral values. Jekyll’s “prison” highlights the consequences of such repression, showing how it can lead to personal destruction.
‘I concealed my pleasures’
Choice - Stevenson uses the verb “concealed” to highlight Jekyll’s deliberate suppression of his darker, more immoral desires. The word choice emphasises Jekyll’s repression and his fear of exposing his true nature, directly linking to the theme of secrecy.
Effect - The reader is drawn into Jekyll’s internal struggle, evoking both sympathy and unease. The phrase suggests a tension between his public persona and hidden desires, raising questions about the dangers of self-deception.
Context - In the context of Victorian society, reputation and morality were central. People were expected to uphold a facade of respectability, often repressing or concealing their true feelings and behaviors. Jekyll’s confession reflects the pressures of Victorian norms, revealing how repression and secrecy can lead to destructive consequences.
‘Even as good shone upon the countenance of the one, evil was written broadly and plainly on the face of the other.’
Choice - Stevenson uses a stark contrast between “good” and “evil” to emphasise the duality of Jekyll’s character. The metaphor of good “shining” and evil being “written” on Hyde’s face highlights the clarity with which their opposing natures are revealed.
Effect - The reader is confronted with the external manifestation of inner moral conflict. The juxtaposition of good and evil on their faces visually reinforces the theme of duality and the battle within Jekyll, making Hyde’s evil nature almost inescapable.
Context - Victorian society had strict moral codes, and any deviation from this was considered sinful. Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde represents the hidden darkness within all people, and the visible distinction between them highlights the struggle between maintaining a respectable appearance and the dangers of repressed desires.
‘A man of rugged countenance that was never lightened by a smile.’
Choice - Stevenson’s description of Utterson’s “rugged countenance” suggests a harsh, unemotional exterior, while “never lightened by a smile” reinforces his seriousness. The phrase highlights his restraint and self-discipline, aligning with the Victorian ideal of a reserved and respectable gentleman.
Effect - Utterson’s rigid personality contrasts with the chaos of Hyde, making him a stabilising force in the novel. His lack of outward warmth also reflects the repression of emotions in Victorian society, reinforcing the theme of restraint versus hidden desires.
Context - In Victorian society, gentlemen were expected to uphold dignity and suppress emotions. Utterson’s stoicism reflects these values, positioning him as a moral guide in contrast to Jekyll, whose indulgence in hidden desires leads to his downfall.
‘If he be Mr Hyde, he had thought, “I shall be Mr Seek’
Choice - Stevenson’s use of wordplay between “Hyde” and “Seek” creates a dark irony, emphasizing Utterson’s determination to uncover Jekyll’s secrets. The contrast between Hyde’s concealment and Utterson’s investigation reflects the novel’s theme of secrecy.
Effect - This moment portrays Utterson as a rational, moral figure, yet his obsession with the mystery mirrors the Victorian fascination with hidden sins. His curiosity foreshadows the revelation of Jekyll’s dark double life.
Context - Victorian society valued reputation and discretion, often hiding immoral behaviors beneath a respectable facade. Utterson’s role as an investigator reflects the tension between maintaining appearances and exposing uncomfortable truths.
‘God forgive us, God forgive us,’
Choice - The repetition of “God forgive us” reflects Utterson’s shock and horror at seeing Jekyll’s sudden, unnatural transformation. The religious plea suggests a moral and supernatural disturbance, reinforcing the conflict between science and religion.
Effect - The urgency of Utterson’s reaction heightens the mystery and fear surrounding Jekyll’s condition, making the reader question the true nature of his experiments.
Context - In Victorian society, science was often seen as challenging religious beliefs. Jekyll’s experiment, which distorts the natural order, would have been perceived as sinful, reinforcing fears about the consequences of defying God’s will.
“I shall consider it my duty to break in that door.”
Choice - The declarative statement and formal tone of “I shall consider it my duty” reflect Utterson’s strong moral compass and determination to uncover the truth. The forceful imagery of “break in that door” symbolises his willingness to shatter secrecy and expose hidden truths.
Effect - This moment builds suspense, as Utterson, usually rational and restrained, takes decisive action. The reader anticipates a revelation, reinforcing the theme of secrecy.
Context - Victorian gentlemen valued discretion, but Utterson’s resolve shows how Jekyll’s case has pushed him beyond societal norms, highlighting the dangers of excessive secrecy.
‘Well known man about town’
Choice - The phrase “well known” suggests Enfield’s respected reputation, while “man about town” implies he is sociable and well-connected, fitting the image of an ideal Victorian gentleman. His public presence contrasts with the secrecy surrounding Jekyll and Hyde.
Effect - Enfield appears as a model of propriety, reinforcing Victorian ideals of reputation and decorum. However, his reluctance to gossip hints at the hidden vices within even the most respectable men.
Context - Victorian gentlemen were expected to maintain a polished public image, avoiding scandal while secretly indulging in pleasures, mirroring the duality present in the novel.
‘We could and would make such a scandal out of this’
Choice - The repetition of “could and would” emphasises Enfield’s certainty that public exposure would ruin a reputation. The word “scandal” reflects Victorian society’s obsession with maintaining appearances, where any hint of disgrace could lead to social ruin.
Effect - The reader sees how deeply reputation governs Victorian life. Enfield’s focus on scandal, rather than morality, highlights the hypocrisy of the upper class, who valued appearance over true virtue.
Context - In Victorian society, a damaged reputation could lead to financial and social downfall. Blackmail and secrecy were common, as individuals feared exposure of hidden sins.
‘It sounds nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see’
Choice - The contrast between “nothing to hear” and “hellish to see” highlights Enfield’s restrained, detached nature. The adjective “hellish” suggests something disturbing and unnatural, yet he downplays it, reflecting his preference for silence over confrontation.
Effect - The reader sees Enfield as a man who avoids unnecessary involvement, embodying the Victorian gentleman’s tendency to suppress uncomfortable truths. His reaction reflects the societal pressure to maintain decorum rather than expose wrongdoing.
Context - Victorian gentlemen were expected to uphold discretion and avoid scandal. Enfield’s reluctance to discuss the event reflects this mindset, showing how repression was deeply ingrained in upper-class values.
‘Walked on once more in silence’
Choice - The phrase “walked on” suggests deliberate avoidance, while “in silence” emphasises secrecy and repression. Stevenson uses this to highlight Enfield’s unwillingness to discuss uncomfortable matters, reinforcing his reserved nature.
Effect - The reader perceives Enfield as a typical Victorian gentleman, prioritising discretion over confrontation. His silence reflects the societal expectation to ignore scandal rather than expose it.
Context - Victorian society valued reputation and restraint, discouraging open discussion of immoral behaviour. Enfield’s reaction reflects this repression, showing how people preferred to turn a blind eye to wrongdoing.
‘Hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced gentlemen’
Choice - Stevenson uses descriptors like “hearty” and “healthy” to depict Dr. Lanyon as a robust, well-respected member of society. “Dapper” conveys his neat and well-groomed appearance, suggesting both physical and moral uprightness, typical of the ideal Victorian gentleman.
Effect - This portrayal emphasises Lanyon’s rational, scientific approach, contrasting with the more mysterious and unorthodox figures like Jekyll. His physical vitality implies that he’s a figure of strength and reliability.
Context - The ideal Victorian gentleman was expected to be respectable, disciplined, and physically fit. Lanyon embodies this, and his eventual collapse due to his knowledge of Jekyll’s experiments highlights the tension between Victorian ideals and the dangerous pursuit of forbidden knowledge.
‘Such unscientific balderdash’
Choice - Stevenson uses “unscientific balderdash” to emphasise Dr. Lanyon’s firm belief in rational science and his rejection of Jekyll’s unorthodox experiments, highlighting the era’s strict adherence to observable, empirical science.
Effect - Lanyon’s condemnation aligns him with Victorian ideals of science and reason, contrasting with Jekyll’s boundary-pushing experiments, which symbolise a clash between traditional science and the supernatural.
Context: In the Victorian era, science was growing in authority, yet conflicts with religious and supernatural beliefs persisted. Lanyon’s rejection of Jekyll’s work mirrors the tension between scientific progress and the dangers of venturing beyond established boundaries.
‘Death-warrant written legibly upon his face’
Choice: Stevenson’s use of “death-warrant” is a stark metaphor that suggests the severe toll Jekyll’s experiments have taken on Lanyon. The description contrasts with Lanyon’s earlier portrayal as “hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced,” symbolising vitality and stability.
Effect - The change in Lanyon’s physical appearance creates an unsettling effect, highlighting the destructive consequences of Jekyll’s dual nature and the dangerous consequences of tampering with the boundaries of science. The reader sees the stark physical manifestation of the inner conflict between good and evil.
Context - This transformation reflects the Victorian concern with the duality of human nature. Lanyon, once a model of rational, respectable science, is now consumed by the moral and physical decay caused by witnessing Jekyll’s transgression into the dark, forbidden realms of science.
‘My life is shaken to its roots’
Choice - The phrase “shaken to its roots” is a metaphor that signifies a complete disruption of Dr. Lanyon’s worldview and personal stability. It suggests that the revelation of Jekyll’s transformation has fundamentally altered his understanding of life and science.
Effect - The reader is likely to feel the intensity of Lanyon’s distress, highlighting the horror he experiences when confronted with the dark, supernatural side of science. This reaction contrasts with Lanyon’s previous belief in rational, conventional science, emphasising the novel’s theme of the dangers of unchecked experimentation.
Context: Lanyon’s shock reflects the Victorian fear of scientific experimentation challenging moral and religious boundaries. In a society that valued order and respectability, the disturbing nature of Jekyll’s actions represents a violation of these social norms, shaking the foundations of Lanyon’s belief system.
‘Lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow loveable’
Choice - Stevenson uses contrasting adjectives like “dusty” and “dreary” to depict Utterson’s outwardly cold and reserved nature. The word “loveable” complicates this image, showing that beneath his stern exterior lies a more approachable and warm side.
Effect - This duality intrigues the reader, revealing Utterson’s internal complexity. It suggests that, despite his formal, Victorian gentleman persona, he is capable of compassion and loyalty, reflecting the tension between appearance and reality.
Context - In Victorian society, restraint was key, but Stevenson challenges this with Utterson’s mixed traits, aligning with the novel’s exploration of duality. This echoes the broader theme that all individuals have hidden depths beneath the surface.
