Top Ten Character Quotes (plus analysis…)

Theme: Settings and Locations

The story takes place in London during the Victorian era, a period notorious for its repression, decorum and strict codes of conduct. Stevenson uses the setting to create a stark contrast between the respectable public face of society (Jekyll) and its hidden, shameful side (Hyde).
- Key quote: “That part of town was very much older and many of its stories were worse than the bright new buildings of our square”
Dr. Jekyll’s house is symbolic and presents a dual nature, much like Jekyll himself. The front is respectable, welcoming and faces a pleasant square. The back, which Hyde uses, is described as sinister, isolated and daunting.
- Key quote: “Two doors from one corner, on the left hand going east the line was broken by the entry of a court; and just at that point a certain sinister block of building thrust forward its gable on the street.”
The city at night is a key setting in which Hyde commits his horrific acts, suggesting that evil thrives in the dark as it feeds off secrecy. It can represent the hidden part of one’s personality that comes out when no one is watching.
- Key quote: “Street after street, and all the folks asleep - street after street, all lighted up as if for a procession and all as empty as a church.”

Structure of the Novel

Nonlinear narrative structure: The story isn’t told in chronological order. Instead, it relies heavily on flashbacks, letters and accounts given by various characters to gradually reveal the truth about Jekyll and Hyde.
Multiple perspectives: By giving us the views of different characters like Enfield, Utterson, Lanyon and Jekyll, Stevenson gradually builds suspense and keeps us guessing about Hyde’s true identity.
The plot is a mystery where Utterson, the lawyer, slowly uncovers the strange connection between his friend, Dr. Jekyll, and the sinister Mr. Hyde. It’s only finally revealed at the end that they are the same person, showing the delayed problem-solving structure of the plot.

Atmosphere of the Novel

Overall, the novel has a very gloomy, dark and oppressive atmosphere, which perfectly mirrors the horrible transformation and internal conflict of Dr. Jekyll.
The foggy, dimly lit setting often described in the text serves to create a sense of foreboding and heightens the suspense.
Key quote: “A great chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven…there would be a glow of rich, lurid brown, like the light of some strange conflagration.”

Dialogue in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Dialogue in the novel is quite formal and Victorian in style, representing the time period it’s set in
Conversations can often be cryptic, indirect and filled with hesitation. This mirrors the characters’ reluctance to openly discuss unsettling, immoral things, aligning with the era’s repressive etiquette.
The manner of speaking also differs significantly between Jekyll (polished, high-class) and Hyde (foul-mouthed, brusque), illustrating the theme of duality.

Narrative in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Uttersson’s character provides a detached, third-party viewpoint on the events of the novel. His perspective, being rational and level-headed, adds credibility to the fantastical events of the story.
The use of first-person narratives in the letters of Lanyon and Jekyll let us delve into the minds of characters and gain a deeper understanding of events.
The final narrative, Jekyll’s confession, answers all unanswered questions and completes the jigsaw puzzle of narrative pieces presented in the non-linear format of the novel.

Imagery in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

The contrast between light and dark, used frequently in the novel, symbolizes good and evil. When Hyde commits his atrocities, it is always under the “cover of darkness”, suggesting his shameful, evil nature.
Animalistic imagery is used when describing Hyde, portraying him as less than human and indicative of the savage, primal desires lurking within all individuals.
Vivid disease and deformity metaphors are used to portray Hyde and highlight society’s repulsion and fear of those who do not fit into its norms.

Symbolism in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

The door to Jekyll’s laboratory (used by Hyde) symbolizes the entry into the dark, hidden psyche of Jekyll’s alter-ego, Hyde.
Jekyll’s potion is a symbol of scientific discovery and experimentation, highlighting its potential to unleash the darkness hidden in mankind.
The contrast between the beautiful, bustling streets of London and the gloomy, haunting back alleys where Hyde lurks symbolizes the dual nature of humans - respectable in public, and hidden secrets masked behind closed doors.

Top Ten Plot Quotes (plus analysis…)

“Man is not truly one, but truly two”
- This important quote from Jekyll’s confession highlights the main theme of the novel - human duality.
“I let my brother go to the devil in his own way.”
- This quote spoken by Enfield shows the repressed and secretive nature of Victorian society, where unspeakable acts were simply ignored instead of addressed.
“Jekyll had more than a father’s interest; Hyde had more than a son’s indifference.”
- Utterson speculating about Jekyll and Hyde’s relationship. It foreshadows the true bond they share and highlights the complexity of Jekyll’s feelings for his alter ego.
“My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring.”
- This quote described by Jekyll, shows how suppressing his dark desires only led to them erupting with more intensity. It could comment on the dangers of repression.

Top Ten Character Quotes (plus analysis…)

“I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man.” (Dr Jekyll)
- This quote shows Jekyll’s growing understanding of his own dual nature and the duality inherent in all mankind.
“If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek.” (Mr Utterson)
- Utterson’s reply when first hearing about Hyde, his role in the story is defined – he is the investigator, the seeker of truth.
*“O God!’ I screamed, and ‘O God!’ again and again; for there before my eyes pale and shaken, and half-fainting, and groping before him with his hands, like a man restored from death - there stood Henry Jekyll!” (Dr Lanyon)
- Lanyon’s account of Hyde’s transformation back into Jekyll. This is significant as it gives an eye-witness account and unbiased confirmation of Jekyll and Hyde being the same person.

The above points should assist in revising for an exam focused on “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. It is recommended to pay special attention to quotes, as they invariably hold clues to underlying themes, characters’ motivations and progress of the narrative.

And always keep in mind the Victorian context in which the story is set, which directly impacts the themes, attitudes, and actions of characters within the story. Rereading with this understanding can add depth to one’s analysis and interpretation. Best of luck!