Jekyll, Jekyll, Hyde, Jekyll, Hyde, Hyde, Jekyll | Characterization
The story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has been quite an intriguing one. Especially with the way Robert Louis Stevenson utilized this piece of Victorian Gothic literature to explore the duality of man, and what horrific events may occur when things are taken to an extreme. The battle of good versus evil has been used time and time again, however Stevenson illustrated this theme in a new and imaginative way during the Victorian era.
Today, I will be analyzing the characterization of Mr. Hyde in Chapter 1 and of Dr. Jekyll in Chapter 6.
With evil meaning different things, ideas, and people to each individual, Stevenson utilizes with this idea when initially characterizing Mr. Hyde in the eyes of Mr. Utterson. Hyde's character is first introduced as Mr. Enfield tells Mr. Utterson about his encounter with him one day. Leaving his physical appearance almost completely ambiguous to the audience, Stevenson's word choice helps to provoke the reader's interpretation and imagination to take over in coming up with what Hyde may look like. Also from this excerpt, the reader gathers an understanding of how disturbing and horrifying it would have been to encounter Hyde from Enfield's description of his reaction to seeing him in the alley way. Enfield's dialogue indicates the confusion and curiosity that he feels once settling his eyes upon Hyde, even going to the extent of calling him an "extraordinary looking man".
Chapter 6 begins with Dr. Jekyll completely rid of Hyde, and all of the evil and negative feelings gone from his being. This is shown as Jekyll is described as being more sociable, maintaining his distinguished title, and looking physically brighter. Utterson goes on to reflect that for two months Dr. Jekyll was at peace, and Hyde's evil was completely eliminated. However, there was a sudden change in Jekyll's character, and Utterson made note of him reverting back into seclusion. The change in Jekyll's character indicates how Hyde's absence is impacting his physical appearance and overall well-being. Once Utterson finally made his way into seeing Jekyll, he was shocked how fast his appearance changed within a few weeks. Jekyll was in a near death looking state- decayed and pale. This physical change to Jekyll's character shows the extent to which he had depended on Hyde and the potion to bring the balance of good and evil in his soul. Though Jekyll is representative of his true self, Hyde symbolizes the necessary evil that is within all men.
Below is a poem that consists of Jekyll's and Hyde's individual voices. This poem reflects Jekyll's justification for the creation of Hyde, as well as Hyde's thoughts of Jekyll's character.
Today, I will be analyzing the characterization of Mr. Hyde in Chapter 1 and of Dr. Jekyll in Chapter 6.
With evil meaning different things, ideas, and people to each individual, Stevenson utilizes with this idea when initially characterizing Mr. Hyde in the eyes of Mr. Utterson. Hyde's character is first introduced as Mr. Enfield tells Mr. Utterson about his encounter with him one day. Leaving his physical appearance almost completely ambiguous to the audience, Stevenson's word choice helps to provoke the reader's interpretation and imagination to take over in coming up with what Hyde may look like. Also from this excerpt, the reader gathers an understanding of how disturbing and horrifying it would have been to encounter Hyde from Enfield's description of his reaction to seeing him in the alley way. Enfield's dialogue indicates the confusion and curiosity that he feels once settling his eyes upon Hyde, even going to the extent of calling him an "extraordinary looking man".
Chapter 6 begins with Dr. Jekyll completely rid of Hyde, and all of the evil and negative feelings gone from his being. This is shown as Jekyll is described as being more sociable, maintaining his distinguished title, and looking physically brighter. Utterson goes on to reflect that for two months Dr. Jekyll was at peace, and Hyde's evil was completely eliminated. However, there was a sudden change in Jekyll's character, and Utterson made note of him reverting back into seclusion. The change in Jekyll's character indicates how Hyde's absence is impacting his physical appearance and overall well-being. Once Utterson finally made his way into seeing Jekyll, he was shocked how fast his appearance changed within a few weeks. Jekyll was in a near death looking state- decayed and pale. This physical change to Jekyll's character shows the extent to which he had depended on Hyde and the potion to bring the balance of good and evil in his soul. Though Jekyll is representative of his true self, Hyde symbolizes the necessary evil that is within all men.
Below is a poem that consists of Jekyll's and Hyde's individual voices. This poem reflects Jekyll's justification for the creation of Hyde, as well as Hyde's thoughts of Jekyll's character.
Jekyll:
A potion is what I seek
For without it I am weak,
To divide the two inside
Must come the appearance of Hyde.
All the bad he may do,
Leaving my conscious feeling anew.
You see we aren't one in the same,
Therefore I am not to possess the blame.
Together:
Split as we are,
Our transformation is bizarre.
Hyde:
Jekyll has always been weak,
Because when I appear I show the evil he may seek.
Disruptive and deformed,
I do not let those comments get me forlorn.
I must act in secret
For Jekyll's good reputation, he must keep it.
Yet I have a wicked heart,
And so pandemonium is what I must start.
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