Character & Key Quotes: Maid

Character & Key Quotes: Maid

Character Overview: Maid

• The Maid is a minor but significant character in “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”. She is the character who witnesses the brutal murder of Sir Danvers Carew.

• Her character is used to heighten the suspense and horror in the novel as her detailed description of the murder case gives the scene vivid imagery.

• She is shown as a symbol of Victorian morality and innocence.

Personality Traits

• The Maid is described as being extremely innocent and pious, she is apparently so horrified by the murder she witnessed that she faints afterwards.

Key Quotes:

• “She had an evil face, smoothed by hypocrisy: but her manners were excellent.” This quote shows Stevenson’s use of the Maid’s character to build tension. The hypocrisy and contradiction in her character add to the unsettling atmosphere.

• “The horror of these sights and sounds…fell into a deep swoon.” Stevenson uses the Maid’s extreme reaction to highlight the horror of Hyde’s violence. It provides a contrast with Hyde’s brutality.

Significance of the Character:

• Despite only appearing briefly in the novel, the Maid’s witnessing of Sir Danvers Carew’s murder is a crucial turning point in the narrative. The descriptions from her perspective enhance the horror element in the story.

• Her presence further symbolizes the impact of Hyde’s crimes on the innocent and moral values of the Victorian society.