Narrative in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Multiple Narrative Perspectives

The story is presented from different points of view which helps to maintain the mystery and suspense. Mr. Utterson, the lawyer, is the main narrator, but others fill in the gaps.
Remember the importance of the third person limited perspective provided by Mr. Utterson. As a Victorian gentleman, his rational perspective creates an interesting contrast and helps highlight the strange events of the story.
Look out for the first person narratives of Dr. Lanyon and Dr. Jekyll. These are crucial for understanding the scientific aspects and the moral issues in the story.

The novel doesn’t follow a straight chronological line, but instead the narrative jumps back and forth in time, enhancing the sense of mystery and tension.
Most of the supernatural elements such as the transformations are kept till the end, following a delayed revelation approach.
The final chapter, Jekyll’s confession, provides a retrospect view which ties up all the loose ends and plays with the reader’s perception.

The use of letters as a mode of narration is key in constructing the plot. For example, the letter from Jekyll to Utterson, only to be opened after Jekyll’s death, and Lanyon’s narrative are important turning points.
The letters and documents add a sense of realism and allow perspective shifts. Each narrative voice adds a new dimension to our understanding of Jekyll and Hyde.

The structure creates a suspenseful atmosphere by dropping hints, using foreshadowing and employing red herrings to keep the readers in dark till the final reveal.
Remember how the discovery of Hyde’s violence towards innocent people, his trampling a child and later killing Sir Danvers Carew, creates a sense of horror and dread.

Remember, an understanding of Stevenson’s unconventional narrative structure will help you comprehend the novel beyond the storyline.