Jekyll and Hyde characters

Question 1

Jekyll

Answer 1

1. Hides debauchery behind respectable public personae
2. Concept of man being a variable composite of good and evil
3. God deserts sinners, rather than providing comfort or redemption
4. Physical deterioration to indicate moral and spiritual decline

Question 2

Hyde

Answer 2

1. Crimes show a horrifying degree of sexual motivation
2. Weaknesses are expressed using female attributes
3. Vivid imagery mirrors overarching theme of duality
4. Christian concepts of temptation to explore Hyde’s corruption of Jekyll

Question 3

Utterson

Answer 3

1. Reveals unspoken understanding between gentlemen’s secret lives
2. Functions as reader’s confidante - we see what he sees
3. Potentially an allegory about homosexuality in Victorian London
4. Represents Victorian ideals about propriety, discretion and reputation

Question 4

Lanyon

Answer 4

1. Warns readers of dangers of intense scientific curiosity
2. Transcendental science is akin to playing God - no good can come from it
3. Physical deterioration to indicate moral and spiritual decline
4. His decline and narrative structurally underpin the Novella’s gothic twist

Question 5

Poole(and other servants)

Answer 5

1. Unwittingly presents a contemptuous view of working classes
2. Settings reflect rigid class structure of Victorian Britain
3. Poole is used as a conduit between Jekyll and other characters
4. Emotional reactions of servants highlight Superior rationalism of upper class