Character & Key Quotes: Richard Enfield

Character Overview: Richard Enfield

Richard Enfield is a cousin of Mr. Utterson and a well-known man about town. He is often described as the epitome of Victorian respectability.
He is upright, honest, and somewhat reserved. He has a keen eye for observation and detail, often noting elements that others might miss.
Enfield is the first character to mention Hyde, recounting an incident of shocking brutality to Utterson, thereby introducing the dark side of human nature into the novel.

“There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable.” This quote reflects Enfield’s instinctive and strong reaction to Hyde, instilling unease and a sense of foreboding from early on in the book.

“Black winter morning… there is the door… like a devil had been haunting the house.” Enfield’s description of the door to Jekyll’s lab initiates the foreboding atmosphere, suggesting it is a place of evil and darkness.

“I incline to Cain’s heresy,” he used to say quaintly: “I let my brother go to the devil in his own way.” This quote demonstrates Enfield’s laissez-faire attitude towards others’ behaviour. This could also reflect the broader Victorian tendency to overlook ‘immoral’ behaviours if one maintains a respectable public image.

“No sir, I make it a rule of mine: the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask.” This quote reflects Enfield’s policy of non-interference and discretion, suggestive of Victorian societal decorum where unsavoury matters are swept under the rug instead of confronted.

Richard Enfield serves as a moral compass and reliable witness in the novel. While he somewhat represents the Victorian propensity to ignore unsavoury aspects of society, his honest and candid narrations provide readers with clear insights into the dual nature of humanity depicted in the novel.
Despite his aloofness, Enfield’s relationship with Utterson is crucial; their frequent walks symbolise their commitment to maintaining social order and routine in the face of disturbing events.