Literal Truths
Who tells the story about "the door" and the screaming child?
Mr. Enfield
Why does Enfield refuse to gossip about the door again?
He believes gossip harms reputation
What theme is emerging from Hyde's mysterious character?
The duality of man; the duality of human nature; every person has good and evil within
What does the door symbolize in the story?
"If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek" (59).
Utterson
What is the relationship between Utterson and Enfield?
How does Hyde's appearance make others feel, even if they can't describe it?
Uncomfortable; uneasy; fearful; disgusted; like there is something evil lingering
How does reputation guide the men's actions so far?
What is significant about the neglected building attached to Jekyll's house?
It represents moral decay behind respectability; good vs. evil; duality of man
"It sounds nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see. It wasn't like a man; it was like some damned Juggernaut" (50).
Enfield
What item originally connects Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde? (NOT the Will)
A check (cheque) signed by Dr. Jekyll
Why does Utterson begin to haunt the door?
He is determined to discover Hyde's identity and his connection to Jekyll
What does the dual nature of man mean in these chapters?
Humans have two sides: a moral, respectable self and a hidden, darker self
What mood does Stevenson create with descriptions of London, particularly surrounding the door?
Dark; gloomy; unsafe
"A large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness - you could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection" (65)
Narrator about Dr. Henry Jekyll
Who is mentioned as an old friend and fellow scientist of Jekyll's?
Dr. Lanyon
Why does Jekyll's tone change when Hyde is mentioned?
He becomes defensive and nervous; he's hiding something
Why might Hyde represent something deeper than just one bad person?
He symbolizes the primitive instincts and desires repressed by society
Why is Hyde always associated with darkness or night?
Night symbolizes evil, secrecy, moral corruption, hidden agendas, etc.
"You are unfortunate in such a client. I never saw a man so distressed as you were; unless it were that hide-bound pedant, Lanyon, at what he called by scientific heresies" (66).
Dr. Jekyll
What is unusual about Jekyll's will?
It leaves all his property/wealth to Mr. Hyde if Jekyll disappears or dies
What does Utterson's reaction to Jekyll's strange connection with Hyde represent about Victorian society?
The importance of reputation; people suppress desire to maintain appearance
What theme about human nature is Stevenson developing through Hyde's effect on others in the first three chapters?
That evil can't be hidden; people can sense moral corruption even without proof
How does the setting (Victorian England) reflect the characters' internal conflicts?
Values reputation; people hide their darker sides; restraint
"I incline to Cain's heresy... I let my brother go to the devil in his own way" (47).
Utterson