Jekyll and Hyde Characterisation Flashcards
(56 cards)
“cold, scanty, and embarrassed in discourse”
Characterisation of Utterson - rule of 3 shows that he is serious and mild mannered. “embarrassed in discourse” suggests that he isn’t very talkative.
“He was austere with himself”
Characterisation of Utterson - word choice “austere” shows that, like what was expected of a victorian gentlemen, he was strict with himself and denied himself pleasure.
“‘I incline to Cain’s heresy’…‘I let my brother go to the devil his own way’”
Characterisation of Utterson - Allusion to the biblical story of Cain and Abel, where Cain says it isn’t his responsibility to know where Abel is. Shows that Utterson doesn’t involve himself in matters that don’t concern him
“Catholicity of good-nature”
Characterisation of Utterson - Word choice “catholicity” has religious connotations, showing the reader that Utterson is a christian man and a good friend
“Richard Enfield…well-known man about town”
Characterisation of Enfield - Contrast from the “austere” Utterson, Enfield is sociable and popular.
“trampled calmly…”
Characterisation of Hyde - Oxymoronic statement due to the opposing connotations suggests sadism and a lack of caring, as well as conveying the terror of the event
“like some damned Juggernaut”
Characterisation of Hyde - simile, just as a juggernaut is a huge, powerful force, so too is Hyde powerful and lacks mercy/remorse.
“as emotional as a bagpipe”…“sawbones turn sick and white with the desire to kill”
Characterisation of Hyde - The contrast between the doctor being unemotional to the extreme reaction caused by looking at Hyde suggests that Hyde is extremely repulsive and hateful.
“…really like Satan”
Characterisation of Hyde - the simile comparing him to Satan associates him with great evilness
“something displeasing, something downright detestable”….”strong feeling of deformity….an extraordinary looking man”
Characterisation of Hyde - alliteration + word choice suggests how repulsive and hateable Hyde is. Word choice “extraordinary” has supernatural connotations.
“a volume of some dry divinity”
Characterisation of Utterson - word choice showing he reads a dull religious text shows he is studious and religious
“…Henry Jekyll, M.D, D.C.L….etc.”
Characterisation of Jekyll - list of qualifications shows that he is a qualified doctor, and would be quite well respected in society.
“it offended him…to whom the fanciful was immodest”
Characterisation of Utterson - Irony of “immodest” typically referring to indecent used to describe imagination shows Utterson’s desire to always play by the rules and dislike of the unorthodox.
“hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced gentleman”
Characterisation of Lanyon - list of traits show his approachability, contrasts with Utterson’s austere personality
“He began to go wrong, wrong in mind”…“have seen devilish little of the man”
Characterisation of Jekyll - repetition of “wrong” shows the extent that Jekyll has strayed from traditional science and morals, showing his mental instability. Word choice “devilish” introduces the theme of religion and creates a link between Jekyll and evil.
“Such unscientific balderdash”
Characterisation of Jekyll - Victorian society feared anything too unusual or strange. Word choice “balderdash” accentuates this strangeness. Shows how Jekyll strayed from tradition.
“estranged Damon and Pythias”
Characterisation of Lanyon/Jekyll - Allusion to the greek legend Damon and Pythias, where the friendship between them 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. Shows Lanyon’s aversion to the unknown and Jekyll’s fascination with it.
“besieged by questions”
Characterisation of Utterson - Word choice of “besieged” shows the extent of Utterson’s curiosity with the door
“If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek”
Characterisation of Utterson - The wordplay of the pun contrasts with Utterson’s usually serious nature, showing he has a sense of humour. Irony of Utterson, a usually serious and rational character, getting involved with such an unnatural case. Foreshadows the conflict of rationality vs the fanciful.
“cried Mr Hyde, with a flush of anger”
Characterisation of Hyde - image of “flush of anger” and emotive language shows that he is quick to strong emotions, showing his lack of self control and restraint.
“hissing intake of breath”…“snarled aloud into a savage laugh”…“hardly human…troglodytic”
Characterisation of Hyde - word choice conveys Hyde’s lack of humanity, comparing him to an animal or caveman, showing Hyde’s lack of civility.
“murderous mixture of timidity and boldness”
Characterisation of Hyde - juxtaposition of character traits shows Hyde’s conflicting character traits and further presents the theme of duality - word choice “murderous” foreshadows Carew’s murder.
“if ever I read Satan’s signature upon a face, it is on that of your new friend”
Characterisation of Hyde/Theme of good vs evil - metaphor shows how Utterson thinks Hyde is satanic, and connects Hyde with evil.
“black secrets, by the look of him;…Jekyll’s worst would be like sunshine”
Theme of duality/Characterisation of Jekyll/Hyde - Contrast between the darkness of Hyde’s secrets and Jekyll’s lighter secrets further associates Hyde with evil and Jekyll with good. Irony is created in the fact that they are the same person.
