Explore how Stevenson uses silence and unwillingness to speak, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 13 - 2019 - Paper 1

In this extract, Stevenson effectively utilizes silence to encapsulate the tension and unspoken communication between the characters. Mr. Utterson and Enfield's attempts to engage Dr. Jekyll, who remains hidden, signify a profound reluctance to confront the complexities of his situation. Their dialogue is laced with an underlying sense of urgency, yet Jekyll’s hesitance to join them encapsulates a broader theme of isolation and the inner turmoil he experiences.

The moment where Jekyll is described as having a 'face full of horror and despair' accentuates the weight of silence in their interactions. This expression signifies his unwillingness to reveal the truth of his dual existence; it illustrates how silence can speak volumes about one’s emotional state. Moreover, the fact that Utterson describes a desire to 'speak with you from where we are' further emphasizes the physical barriers and the emotional divide between them.

Stevenson employs these moments of silence not only to build suspense but to highlight the characters' fears, adding depth to their distress. The subsequent acknowledgment of their shared horror reflects how silence can be interpreted in multiple ways – as a lack of willingness to engage, but also as a poignant commentary on the human condition's struggles in facing the truth.

In the broader context of the novel, silence emerges as a recurring motif that signifies the characters' fears and desires, often mirroring Dr. Jekyll’s internal conflict. As the narrative unfolds, moments of silence serve as critical points that foreshadow the impending chaos and the ultimate confrontation with hidden truths. The profound impact of silence and unexpressed emotions ultimately underscores the tragic elements embedded within Stevenson’s work.