Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Chapters

Page 1

Chapter One

Key Character: Mr Utterson

Utterson is the voice of reason in the Novella. The first chapter establishes him as a reliable and rational man whose view of events we can trust. The narrator gives us a full and direct account of Utterson. Utterson does not sound appealing at first his appearance is "rugged", he speaks little and shows no emotion. Yet as the paragraph progresses, we discover more endearing aspects of him as he is "somehow lovable".

Key Setting: The Door

The door immediately looks out of place. It is battered with peeling paint, in a street which is otherwise cheery and attractive with "freshly painted shutters". The door is the first glimpse we get of Jekyll's laboratory. It is a "sinister block of building", jutting into the street, showing signs of neglect and decay.

Key Theme: Hyde's Unnaturlness

Enfield's account of Hyde callously trampling the young girl makes Hyde appear unnatural. Enfield then supports this and says there is something deeply unpleasant about Hyde, but he couldn't say what. "There is something wrong with his appearance". This feeling is shared with other characters, it indicates a subconscious awareness that Hyde is somehow unnaturally evil.

Key Theme: Medicine