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Summary GRADE 9 Dr Jekyll CHARACTER PROFILE
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grade 9, in depth notes for dr jekyll aqa gese English literature paper 1
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Jekyllo Portmanteau of French ‘je’ meaning I and English ‘kill’ representative of duplicit
nature from the very beginning which is significant because it shows that although
science only became prevalent in terms of mainstream society in the 19 th century it
has always existed, just as the binaries of good and evil have due to original sin – due
to Adam and eve in genesis 3- proving the necessity of co-existence and the delicate
equilibrium of active and passive. As a result of these binaries, man can neither be
wholly good or wholly evil, which leads me to believe that one of the reasons for
Jekyll’s death was down to an imbalance of power, showing in the inability of
extremities within binarisms. Here, Stevenson is commenting on society, suggesting
that by repressing our ‘id’ (following the work of psychologist Freud) and leading a
superficial life of perfection, we are only setting ourselves up for corruption, just as
Jekyll does when his ‘devil had been long caged, he came out roaring’. From a
political perspective there must always be a balance in society since the extreme of a
wholly collective society such as socialism leads to dictatorial regime, while an
extreme of capitalism is a vast class divide and much social inequality, resulting in
poverty and dystopian conditions for some
o Turbulent relationship with religion – portrayed as experimenting with the
transcendental and attempting to play god, yet seeks redemption ‘fallen upon his
knees and lifted his hands to god’
o Viewed as symbolising ego in Freud’s structural theory of the mind– balance between
man’s basal instincts and moral thought
o Representative of the bourgeoisie (and Hyde to some extension) as violent actions due
to his creation of Hyde could be Stevenson’s commentary on the behaviour of those
with high societal status; trampling of girl represents treatment of lower class, while
murder of Carew (fellow member of bourgeoisie) highlights selfishness and lack of
remorse or loyalty in those social circles
o Potentially influenced by John Hunter: high status doctor who was provided dead
bodies to experiment on by grave robbers through quarters of his house that backed
onto a dingy alleyway. Duality in houses is Stevenson commenting on how upper
class in London cannot completely isolate themselves form the lower class
o Presented as moral and honourable, participating in charity work, increasing shock
experienced by reader at the end of the novel when the true nature of Jekyll and
Hyde’s relationship is revealed
o Social and friendly (hosting dinner parties) but is also self-involved juxtaposing
Utterson’s outward focus
o Highly intelligent with a curious mind to symbolise encroachment of science of
religious thought in Victorian era
o Becomes increasingly erratic in having to face hiding existence of Hyde
o Dinner party (chp 3): becomes obvious that he is acting unusually and the reason for
his quarrel with Lanyon. He clearly withholds information, questioning strength of his
and Utterson’s relationship
o Jekyll’s confession (chp 10): last character heard from in the novel, symbolising
importance to the narrative. Motivation in creating Hyde further exemplify inquisitive
nature and propensity to question Victorian beliefs about science, religion, morality
o Utterson and Jekyll have a strong relationship with seemingly unconditional loyalty as
he is a neutral character and his care for Jekyll is unwavering throughout
o Increasing power imbalance between Jekyll and Hyde propels novel forward as
boundary becomes increasingly fluid – as if two are becoming one
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