Jekyll and Hyde
A COMPLETE ANALYSIS OF THE NOVELLA
CHAPTER ONE: STORY OF THE DOOR
Utterson: “Cold, scanty and embarrassed...lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow loveable” – The
lengthy asyndetic list is difficult to say in one breath, which not only reflects Utterson’s ‘long’ and
‘dreary’ personality but could also suggest his character is perhaps hard to put into words, if
Stevenson has had to use such a lengthy description. This could imply some form of mystery and
perplexity around Utterson to begin with – there is maybe more to the ‘scanty’ gentleman that the
reader initially meets. There is also juxtaposing statements within the description which not only
supports this idea but is symbolic of Utterson, who, despite being ‘cold’, is ‘loveable’. The introduction
to the novel with the character of Utterson is also important as it introduces the key theme of duality of
the novel within Utterson himself – Utterson may almost be a character representation of the ideals of
Victorian society. This is crucial to the novel as it is important that he is a believable man so that his
versions of events can be believed by the readers no matter how strange they are. He also needs to
be somewhat uninteresting so he doesn’t distract from the story
Utterson: “eminently human beaconed from his eye” – The word ‘beacon’ is usually a bright light in a
high or prominent position used as a signal. This could suggest that Utterson has a lot of respect,
almost as if he were a beacon himself. His kind, human side is clearly evident and perhaps shows that
even though it may not be apparent from his exterior, it is noticed by all. It also suggests that Utterson
may have put up a front in order to maintain his reputation – something very common in the VE.
Additionally, the fact that Utterson’s kindness can be felt just through his eyes suggests that it is not
fake and that he does have genuine feeling.
Utterson: “never marked a shade of change in his demeanour” – This just marks the extreme severity
of the situation at the door, as Utterson, a man that seemingly never ‘marked a shade of change’ in
his personality no matter what criminal cases he took on, was clearly emotionally affected by Jekyll’s
case, as the reader learns he was ‘enslaved’ by it – as well as his ‘demeanour’ when he is described
as ‘putting a hand to his brow like a man in mental perplexity”. “Never” is a final adverb which also
highlights his good-hearted nature as his concern for his friend is evident when he is involved, and he
has ‘never’ been changed by anything in this way before. Alternatively, the idea of a never-changing
‘demeanour’ implies that Utterson is using some sort of outer mask or façade, an idea that is
continued throughout the novella and a very common theme in Victorian England.
Utterson: “His affections, like ivy, were the growth of time” – ‘Ivy’ is a plant that can be poisonous,
implying that Utterson was a sensible man and recognises the harmful nature of certain relationships.
Alternatively, ‘ivy’ is a living plant, that can, like all things living, die or be cut off. Stevenson, by using
the simile to liken his affections to ‘ivy’ may perhaps suggest Utterson’s respectability amongst his
peers – he has the power to end all of his relationships. ‘Ivy’ though, is an evergreen plant which also
presents Utterson’s loyalty to those around him – a different side to him that readers weren’t aware of.
Setting: “surplus of their grains in coquetry” – This imagery describes how the shops on the street
would adorn their displays with advertisements. This implies that the street was full of life – sales,
advertising, colours etc. Additionally, the term ‘coquetry’ literally means something flirtatious, which
suggests that both charming and unpleasant things reside in London
Setting: “like rows of smiling saleswomen” – Stevenson likens shopfronts to ‘smiling saleswomen’
using a simile. Where this image may just show the inviting, full of life ambiance of the town, it may
also suggest the town has something to hide, as the ‘smiling saleswomen’ almost seem fake or too
good to be true. The sinister mood is supported by the use of sibilance with the ‘smiling saleswomen’,
which sounds threatening as the repeated use of ‘s’ is like a hissing sound. The happiness of the town
juxtaposes this sinister layer to the town, again presenting duality within the town itself – emphasising
the imminence of duality in every aspect of life and foreshadowing something sinister occurring in the
town. Additionally, this incredibly positive image is very important in order for the next paragraph to
have more shocking impact.
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