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How does Stevenson use settings in Jekyll and Hyde?
This is a Grade 9 Essay that I wrote in practice for my English Lit GCSE AQA Exam. The question is: How does Stevenson use settings in Jekyll and Hyde?
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How does Stevenson use settings in Jekyll and Hyde?Throughout the novel, Stevenson uses settings to reflect on the duplicitous nature of society.
For example, the setting of Jekyll’s establishment emphasises the enigmatic nature of the
character via the pair of entrances. Similarly, the setting of Hyde’s home reiterates this
concept of duality as the rich interior contrasts the poor neighbourhood. Aside from this,
Stevenson also uses the homes of Lanyon and Utterson to reflect on the respected nature of
the typical Victorian gentleman.
Stevenson initially uses the entrances of Jekyll’s home and most specifically Hyde’s door to
highlight the duplicitous nature of the character. The house is reflected in contrasting ways
as the backdoor is depicted as both derelict and isolated. This is done via the use of
personification and language. In the opening chapter of the novella, the writer personifies the
laboratory entrance as “a certain sinister block of building thrust forward its gamble on the
streets.” The word “sinister” holds connotations to Satan, referring to the supernatural work
of Dr Jekyll and evil nature of Hyde. Moreover, the idea that the building is able to “thrust
forward” represents that the person using the building is up to no good. As a consequence,
the readership is faced with feelings of malevolence and immorality from the establishment.
This idea is further pursued when the door is described to not be “equipped with neither bell
nor knocker”. The door not being furnished with a bell shows how visitors are not welcomed
into the building. Stevenson does this to entertain how Jekyll does not want anyone to view
his transgressions that he hides inside the labratory. Perhaps, the writer does this to
represent the secret sins completed by the men of his society. Victorian gentlemen were
expected to hold the utmost etiquettes - however they would often release their temptations
in total privacy. Maybe, the door having no bell shows the secrecy behind the men who
escape to secrecy in order to save their public reputation. Therefore, Stevenson uses the
entrance to show the duplicitous nature of Jekyll - who is a construct used to present the
realistic lives of some of these “gentlemen''.
The writer also uses the homes of Lanyon and Utterson to reflect on the respected nature of
the more austere Victorian gentlemen. The houses of these characters reflect their
respected personalities and qualities. The writer does this via language. When depicting the
interior of Lanyon’s accommodation, Stevenson utilises the quote - “citadel of medicine”. The
quote emphasises how his science is well respected and accepted by the greater good of
society. This is a direct contrast to the science of Dr Jekyll as Stevenson proceeds to
describe it as “unscientific balderdash” - reducing it as useless. Moreover, the idea that his
home is a “citadel” entertains the idea that Dr Lanyon is so well respected that he lives in a
castle - and therefore treated like a king. Throughout the novella, Lanyon is shown as a
respected, joyous character. Stevenson also uses Utterson’s home to portray the reputation
of the character. Utterson is described as a reputable, respected and austere individual and
the writer does not detail his home at length. This is intentionally done to reflect his simple,
modest yet mysterious character. Moreover, the writer draws the reader’s attention towards a
safe - containing precious documents of other individuals. This is intentionally done to
emphasise how Utterson is viewed as a confidant and someone who is trustworthy.
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