Utterson

Question 1

“he was austere with himself; drank gin when he was alone to mortify the taste of vintages”
repression and reputation
chapter 1
Duality
Repression
Good vs evil
Appearance vs reality

‘A man of a rugged countenance… scanty and embarrassed in discourse’
apperance vs relaity

Answer 1

• adjective “austere” connotates to self imposed strictness suggests he is disciplined and consciously choosing to avoid indulgence, embracing an almost Puritanical self-restraint.
• drinking gin was often associated with the lower class and as his “the lawyer” he only drinks it alone to avoid tarnishing his reputation
• it is interesting that he drinks “gin when he was alone” as it has a higher level of alcohol content than wine - drunkenness is associated with withdrawing your inhabitations, it suggests he needs this despite from this austerity on the public sphere. Perhaps he is compensating for this breach in his own austerity by refusing to drink the alcohol he truly desires to cling on to some semblance of austerity. This suggests a complex relationship between his private desires and his public image highlighting the conflicts in navigating personal indulgence within a framework of public responsibility

Victorian society valued self-restraint, so private drinking symbolised repressed desires and the fragile divide between respectability and moral collapse.

-shows the theme of appearance vs reality.
-‘rugged countenance’ shows that he has a harsh exterior and that he conforms to the rules of a Victorian gentleman, showing no emotions. This gives his voice authority as it is unlikely to be biased by emotionality

Question 2

“wider labyrinths of the city”
duality
chapter 2

Answer 2

“Wider labyrinths of the city” reflects Utterson’s mental disorientation as he’s consumed by thoughts of Hyde. The labyrinth may symbolize his increasingly complex investigation into Jekyll and Hyde, introducing the mystery central to the novella.

The term “labyrinth” also alludes to the Greek myth of the Minotaur, symbolizing the beast (Hyde) hidden within the city, or more broadly, the darkness inherent in man.

The idea of being “lost” hints at Hyde’s eventual dominance over Jekyll, foreshadowing how Jekyll will lose himself to his darker desires.

Question 3

“God forgive us, God forgive us”
science vs religon
chapter 7

Answer 3

Utterson’s plea reflects his moral struggle, heavily shaped by religious values. His desperate cry highlights the moral framework that defines his worldview, showing his guilt in confronting the dark truths around him.

Religion vs. Science: Stevenson uses this moment to explore the tension between traditional faith and rising scientific rationalism. Utterson’s cry may suggest fear that religion no longer provides clear answers in a morally uncertain, scientific age.

Societal Anxiety: The moment reflects a broader Victorian crisis — as science advances, individuals feel torn between faith and moral freedom. Stevenson could be warning of the dangers of a world without spiritual guidance.

Moral Anchor: Utterson’s instinct to plead to God shows his inability to navigate a world where morality isn’t governed by religious rules, reinforcing the theme of uncertainty in the face of moral ambiguity.

Question 4

“it is one thing to mortify curiosity, another to conquer it”
chapter 6
Duality
Repression
Good vs evil
Appearance vs reality

Answer 4

Conquer” - Image of Battle:
The verb “conquer” evokes internal warfare, implying Utterson sees curiosity as a dangerous, innate impulse he must defeat. This shows that Utterson believes being moral means fighting against his natural feelings, which reflects how Victorian society saw self-control as a sign of virtue.

Jutaposition: The juxtaposition between “mortify” and “conquer” highlights the difference between merely suppressing curiosity and actively eradicating it. Utterson’s relentless efforts to subdue (overcome) his curiosity reflect a deeply ingrained societal conditioning, wherein the repression of natural impulses is glorified as an achievement.

Utterson’s struggle reflects the hypocrisy and paradoxes inherent in Victorian ideals.
Can one truly be moral while suppressing a natural human instinct? This compels the reader to question whether repressing curiosity is truly a mark of strength or a form of self-imposed limitation.

Question 5

“If he shall be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek”
Chapter 2
Duality
Repression
Good vs evil
Appearance vs reality

Answer 5

*Symbolism – “Hyde and Seek”:
The names symbolise duality — “Hyde” suggesting hidden evil, and “seek” reflecting curiosity. Even Utterson, who represses emotion, is drawn to the mystery, showing that darkness exists in all men, not just Jekyll.

• Suppressed Desires:
  Utterson’s curiosity mirrors Jekyll’s, though less extreme. Stevenson suggests repression of darker impulses is universal, even in society’s most “respectable” figures.
• Homophone – “Hyde”:
  “Hyde” sounds like “hide”, symbolising disguise and inner secrecy. Stevenson uses this to critique Victorian physiognomy — showing evil can’t be identified by appearance alone.
• Deceptive Appearances:
  Despite Utterson’s rational, moral front, he misjudges Hyde assuming that evil must be “written broadly” on the face. This reinforces Stevenson’s criticism of Victorian assumptions about outward appearances.