Theme- Repression Flashcards
Characters + Analysis
DR JEKYLL
Jekyll is the perfect example of repression—a man who hides his immoral desires behind a respectable image.
“I concealed my pleasures… I was in no sense a hypocrite; both sides of me were in dead earnest.” -Chapter 10
-Confessional tone: Admits to hiding his true nature.
-Duality: Suggests he genuinely believes in both his moral and immoral selves.
-Grade 9 Insight: Jekyll represents the conflicted Victorian gentleman, caught between social expectation and personal desire. His repression leads to the creation of Hyde.
“The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde.” -Chapter 5
-Delusion of control: Believes he can manage his dark side.
-Irony: In reality, the more he represses Hyde, the more powerful Hyde becomes.
-Grade 9 Insight: Repression creates a pressure cooker effect—by denying natural impulses, Jekyll makes them stronger and more dangerous when they are released.
MR HYDE
Hyde is the result of Jekyll’s repressed desires, an outlet for everything Jekyll cannot do openly.
“A man who was without bowels of mercy.” -Chapter 2
-Biblical language: Hyde is presented as emotionless, inhuman, the opposite of the expected moral man.
-Grade 9 Insight: By repressing his feelings, Jekyll creates a version of himself (Hyde) that lacks all empathy or restraint — an extreme outcome of complete emotional suppression.
“My devil had long been caged, he came out roaring.”-Chapter 10
-Metaphor: “Caged” implies forced repression.
-Animalistic imagery: Suggests that once repressed desires are let loose, they become uncontrollable.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson warns that repression doesn’t destroy evil—it strengthens it. When finally released, the evil is far more dangerous.
MR UTTERSON
Utterson represents the respectable, repressed Victorian gentleman, who suppresses emotion in favour of duty.
“He was austere with himself.” -Chapter 1
-Self-control: Lives a life of moderation and repression.
-Moral pride: Proud of denying himself enjoyment.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson critiques how society encouraged men to suppress joy, passion and emotion to maintain a public image, even at personal cost.
“The last good influence in the lives of down-going men.” -Chapter 1
-Moral anchor: He stays loyal, even to friends in moral decline.
-Repressed empathy: Doesn’t express emotion openly.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson suggests that repression is seen as virtue, but it also limits human connection. Utterson’s emotional restraint may prevent him from truly helping Jekyll.
DR LANYON
Lanyon represses belief in anything that challenges science or natural law. This limits his understanding—and leads to his breakdown.
“Unscientific balderdash.” -Chapter 2
-Dismissive tone: Shuts down Jekyll’s ideas without question.
-Grade 9 Insight: Lanyon’s rigid thinking is a form of intellectual repression. Stevenson shows that those who refuse to explore the unknown suffer when confronted with it.
SETTING AS SYMBOL OF REPRESSION
“The door… blistered and distained.” -Chapter 1
-Symbol of secrecy: The back door to Jekyll’s lab represents hidden, repressed parts of his life.
-Decay: Shows that repression causes moral and physical corruption.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson uses setting to reflect how the outward appearance of respectability hides inner rot caused by repression.
Characters and how Repression is Shown + Grade 9 Analysis
Dr Jekyll- Represses immoral desires to appear respectable
Shows the danger of splitting the self — creates a monstrous alter ego.
Mr Hyde- Represents all that Jekyll represses
Stevenson warns that repression intensifies evil.
Utterson- Emotionally restrained, morally dutiful
Critiques the emotional coldness of Victorian men.
Lanyon- Represses belief in the unnatural or unexplained
Intellectual repression leads to mental collapse.
The Door- Secret entry to Jekyll’s lab/Hyde’s world
Symbol of hidden sin and suppressed identity.
