Top Ten Plot Quotes (plus analysis...)
Top Ten Plot Quotes (plus analysis…)
Settings and Locations
- London is portrayed as a dark, fog-shrouded city suggesting mystery and danger. The setting reflects the dual nature of Dr Jekyll.
- Jekyll’s house represents the respectability of the doctor - rich, decorated and in a good neighborhood.
- Hyde’s Soho residence is run-down, uninviting and shrouded in darkness reflecting his sinister and inhumane character.
Key Quotes:
- “A certain sinister block of building thrust forward its gable on the street” - The architecture is oppressive, suggesting danger and unease.
Structure of the Novel
- The novel uses multiple narratives, often through letters or documents which slowly reveal the horror of Jekyll’s experiment. This builds suspense and mystery.
- Chronological development is often disrupted by inserting narratives that look back, rolling out the plot not in order, but as the characters themselves discover the truth.
Atmosphere of the Novel
- The atmosphere is often oppressive and foreboding, reflecting the dark deeds and conflicted characters.
- Fog serves as a dominant metaphor for confusion and obscurity. Scenes of horror often occur in foggy or dark environments.
Key Quotes:
- “Clouded with a sort of mist, for a moment”; “a great chocolate-coloured pall lowered over heaven”
Dialogue in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- Jekyll speaks formally as befits a respected doctor. He avoids speaking about his inner turmoil.
- Hyde’s speech is abrupt and rude reflecting his unrestrained, primitive nature.
Key Quotes:
- “Now I know you from top to toe”, “If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also”
Narrative in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- The narrative unfolds through different viewpoints, most frequently through Utterson’s perspective, which keeps Jekyll’s secret until the end.
- The variety of viewpoints provides a rounded understanding of events and characters.
Imagery in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- Imagery in the novel is often dark, focusing on wintry, nighttime scenes, closed doors and confined spaces.
- Hyde is described using animal imagery, highlighting his raw, uncivilized nature.
Key Quotes:
- “Mr Hyde was pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity.”
Symbolism in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- The door to Jekyll’s house is used symbolically. It’s facade of respectability hides the grim reality of Hyde’s existence.
- The transformation scene from Jekyll to Hyde is a powerful symbol of man’s duality.
Key Quotes:
- “There are two sides to my….nature”.
Top Ten Plot Quotes
- “Man is not truly one, but truly two”
- “I knew myself, at the first breath of this new life, to be more wicked…than I had ever been”
- “I am careless; this is my true hour of death”
- “I bring the life of that unhappy Henry Jekyll to an end”
- “That child of Hell had nothing human”
- “Jekyll had more than a father’s interest; Hyde had more than a son’s indifference.”
- “Jekyll was now my city of refuge; let but Hyde peep out an instant, and the hands of all men would be raised to take and slay him.”
- “The evil side of my nature…was less robust and less developed than the good which I had just deposed”
- “I am from head to foot the slave of my accursed nature”
- “I am doomed to a life of final slavery. God knows what the cause is.”