Setting

Question 1

“bright, open fires and costly cabinets of oak”

Answer 1

reflects Dr. Jekyll’s outward respectability and wealth, emphasizing the façade of a prosperous, moral man. The “bright” fires symbolize warmth, comfort, and openness, while the “costly cabinets of oak” represent stability and status. This creates a stark contrast with the hidden darkness of Jekyll’s internal conflict, suggesting the duplicity of his character. The imagery underscores the theme of duality, where Jekyll’s outward success conceals the darker, repressed side of his personality embodied in Hyde

Question 2

Neither bell nor knocker

Answer 2

symbolizes the isolation and secrecy of the door, which reflects the hidden and repressed nature of Jekyll’s dual personality. The absence of a bell or knocker suggests that entry is restricted, reinforcing the idea that Jekyll is attempting to shut out the world, concealing his darker side, Hyde. This also enhances the sense of mystery and the tension between public and private selves, as the door becomes a barrier between Jekyll’s respectable persona and his secret, more sinister alter ego.

Question 3

The fog still slept on the wing above the city, and the streets lighted with the fog that had fallen

Answer 3

symbolizes confusion and repression. The fog, thick and suffocating, represents the moral ambiguity in the story, blurring the line between good and evil. It mirrors Jekyll’s internal struggle, with his darker impulses (embodied by Hyde) concealed under layers of societal expectation. The persistent fog reinforces the idea of things hidden from view—both physically in the setting and psychologically in the characters—emphasizing the theme of duality.