Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde: Characters

Key Characters in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

1. Dr Henry Jekyll
2. Mr Edward Hyde
3. Gabriel John Utterson
4. Dr Hastie Lanyon
5. Poole

Dr Henry Jekyll

Quote: "Man is not truly one, but truly two."

Analysis: Dr Jekyll believes that every person has both a good and an evil side, and this quote sums up that idea. Stevenson uses Jekyll to explore the idea that human nature is made up of opposing forces, constantly in conflict. Jekyll's desire to separate these sides through his experiments shows his ambition to control these forces, but it also foreshadows the disaster that follows. This reflects the dangers of trying to deny or suppress part of one's nature. In Victorian society, there were concerns about repressing true feelings, and Jekyll's downfall shows the risks of not accepting the whole self.

Quote: "The moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde."

Analysis: Jekyll believes he can control Hyde whenever he wants, showing his overconfidence and underestimation of his darker side. Stevenson uses this quote to reveal the dangerous illusion Jekyll maintains, as he doesn't realise that by indulging in Hyde, he is losing control over his own identity. Eventually, Hyde takes over, warning the reader about the consequences of giving in to one's darker impulses. This ties into Victorian fears of degeneration, where the boundaries between being civilised and savage become blurred.

Mr Edward Hyde

Mr. Hyde's fictional character

Quote: "Ape-like fury."

Analysis: Hyde is often described in animalistic terms, such as "ape-like," highlighting his primitive and violent nature. Stevenson uses Hyde to represent the darker, more primal side of humanity that Jekyll tries to suppress. The word "fury" suggests that Hyde is driven by uncontrollable anger, making him dangerous when left unchecked. Through Hyde, Stevenson explores the idea that beneath society's surface, there can be deeply disturbing impulses that, if unleashed, can lead to chaos and violence.

Quote: "I had taken a loathing to my gentleman at first sight."

Analysis: Hyde's immediate hatred of others reflects his embodiment of pure evil, showing no moral compass or humanity. Stevenson uses this to emphasise just how corrupt Hyde is, and how he stands in complete opposition to the values of civilised society. Hyde's existence challenges the idea that evil can be separated from good, suggesting instead that it is an integral part of human nature. His character raises questions about whether society can truly control the darker aspects of human behaviour.

Gabriel John Utterson

Quote: "If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek."

Analysis: Utterson's determination to uncover the truth about Hyde reflects his loyalty and duty as Jekyll's friend. Stevenson portrays Utterson as the moral centre of the story, representing rationality and decency against the chaotic forces embodied by Hyde. As a lawyer, Utterson is deeply concerned with reputation and social order, trying to protect Jekyll's name. However, his inability to fully understand the truth until the end also shows the limitations of Victorian society's strict moral codes, which often fail to grasp the complexities of human nature.

Quote: "His affections, like ivy, were the growth of time."

Analysis: Utterson's friendships and loyalty develop slowly and steadily, much like ivy growing over time. This reflects his steadfast and reliable nature. Stevenson uses Utterson to show the value of long-term relationships built on trust and respect, which contrasts with the secrecy and deceit surrounding Jekyll and Hyde. Utterson's strong moral compass and commitment to his friends highlight the novella's theme of duality, especially the tension between public respectability and private vice.

Dr Hastie Lanyon

Quote: "I saw what I saw, I heard what I heard, and my soul sickened at it."

Analysis: Dr Lanyon's reaction to witnessing Hyde's transformation into Jekyll shows his horror and shock at the true nature of Jekyll's experiments. Stevenson uses Lanyon to represent the Victorian belief in science and rationality, which is completely shattered when faced with the supernatural reality of Jekyll's dual identity. Lanyon's eventual decline and death underscore how devastating this revelation is, suggesting that some truths are too overwhelming to bear. This moment also highlights the dangers of pushing science beyond moral and ethical boundaries.

Quote: "O God!" I screamed, and "O God!"

Analysis: Lanyon's horrified reaction to Jekyll's transformation is a key moment that highlights the novella's themes of scientific hubris and the limits of human understanding. Stevenson uses Lanyon's shock to show the terrifying consequences of tampering with the boundaries of human nature. This moment contrasts Lanyon's firm belief in science with the more mystical and dangerous aspects of Jekyll's experiments, demonstrating that even the most logical minds can be shaken by the discovery of dark and disturbing truths.

Poole

Quote: "No, sir, that thing in the mask was never Dr Jekyll."

Analysis: Poole's comment reveals his deep fear and suspicion of what has happened to Dr Jekyll. As Jekyll's loyal servant, Poole represents the everyday people who are caught up in the strange and terrifying events surrounding Jekyll's transformation. His horror at the changes in Jekyll reflects the broader Victorian fear of the unknown and the breakdown of social and moral order. Poole's loyalty and concern for Jekyll push him to seek help, underscoring the novella's themes of friendship and the duty to help others in times of crisis.

Quote: "I give you my bible-word it was Mr Hyde!"

Analysis: Poole's certainty that the figure in Jekyll's house was Hyde reinforces the fear and mystery surrounding Jekyll's transformation. By swearing on the Bible, Poole emphasises the seriousness of the situation and the evil he believes he has witnessed. Stevenson uses Poole's character to show how deeply unsettling these events are for those who knew Jekyll, highlighting the novella's exploration of the limits of human understanding and the terrifying potential for evil within everyone.