Theme- Appearance vs reality Flashcards
(2 cards)
Characters + Quotations & Analysis
Dr Jekyll
A respected gentleman who hides a dark, uncontrollable side.
Key Quotation:
“The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde. I give you my hand upon that.” -Chapter 3
-Irony: Jekyll believes he’s in control of Hyde.
-Deception: He reassures Utterson, but this is a lie — showing the illusion of control.
-Grade 9 Insight: Jekyll maintains the appearance of a moral man while secretly indulging his darker urges. Stevenson critiques how Victorian society prioritised reputation over morality, encouraging dangerous secrecy.
Key Quotation:
“The moment I dipped my hand into the tincture… a grinding in the bones, deadly nausea, and a horror of the spirit.” -Chapter 10
-Imagery: The transformation is physically and spiritually horrific.
-Symbolism: The potion = the thin line between appearance (Jekyll) and hidden reality (Hyde).
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson uses Gothic horror to show how superficial respectability masks deep internal conflict. The physical change represents the violent fracturing of identity beneath a polished exterior.
Mr Hyde
The physical manifestation of Jekyll’s repressed evil.
Key Quotation:
“Something displeasing, something downright detestable… He gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I can’t specify the point.”
-Chapter 1
-Ambiguity: Hyde’s appearance can’t be described — only felt.
-Uncanny: The horror comes from the sense of unnaturalness, not visual deformity.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson presents Hyde as the truth Jekyll hides — ugly not in body, but in morality. Hyde’s presence is a visible reaction to the hidden sins of respectable society.
MR UTTERSON
A rational lawyer who uncovers the hidden truth.
Key Quotation:
“If he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek.” -Chapter 2
-Pun / Wordplay: “Hyde” and “Seek” – symbolic of uncovering the truth.
-Duality: Even Utterson, a man of reason, is drawn into mystery.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson shows that beneath every respectable figure lies curiosity about hidden evil. Utterson represents the rational face of society, trying to make sense of the irrational reality beneath.
Characters and How They Represent Appearance vs Reality
Dr Jekyll- Appears respectable but harbours dark desires. His double life reflects hypocrisy in Victorian society.
Mr Hyde- Represents the hidden reality of human evil. Physically repulsive, morally corrupt.
Utterson- Appears rational but becomes obsessed with mystery and secrecy.
Lanyon- Appears confident in science but is horrified by Jekyll’s reality and eventually dies from the shock.
