Characterisation

Characterisation

Jekyll
1. "A large, well-made, smoothe faced man of fifty"
  1. Illustrates Jekyll to be a good-looking, respected Victorian man as he fits the stereotype of that era.
    1. This suggests that Jekyll is a normal man, who leads a normal life. Despite having darker intentions.
2. "his own tastes being rather chemical than anatomical"
  1. Jekyll is not interested in the classic study of medicine, he is far more interested in the experimental side.
    1. This interest is not considered normal in Victorian Culture and as a result, Jekyll is frowned upon by other doctors - Dr Lanyon. This illustrates Jekyll to be scandalous as he would be the talk of the community. This doesn't phase Jekyll being the odd one out, he doesn't care. Instead he continues in his thirst for knowledge and completes his idea of splitting both sides of his personality.
3. "but every mark of capacity and human kindness"
  1. This illustrates Jekyll to have a large amount of respect from everyone in the community as he is full of good intention- from their perspective.
    1. This clarifies that Jekyll is a very kind man, and the polar opposite of Mr Hyde. Despite Hyde being Jekyll's alter ego, Jekyll is capable of being compassionate.
Hyde
1. "some damned Juggernaut"
  1. This has connotations of a huge, unstoppable machine. This exemplifies the fearful demeanour of Mr Hyde. The word choice of "damned" suggest images of hell which adds emphasis to Hyde being evil.
    1. For Victorian Society, this image came as a shock. They were very religious which made them fear Hyde as his nature was corrupt. This first description of Hyde gives the reader the impression that Hyde is not someone to cross paths with as he will not give a second thought in attacking you. This foreshadows how cruel Hyde can be it foreshadows that he is pure evil.
2. "Edward Hyde, alone in the ranks of man kind, was pure evil"
  1. This implies that Hyde is singular in nature and illustrates him to be ruthless. The word choice of "pure" has connotations of only one thing and this describes Hyde as he can only be evil. He feels no good within him.
    1. This clarifies to the reader that Hyde is pure evil. This clarification shows the reader Hyde is alone in his nature, no on eise as evil as him and he is alone in the world; but he doesn't care.
3. "something displeasing, something downright detestable"
  1. "Detestable" suggests the level of resentment that was felt towards Hyde. Despite Enfield witnessing Hyde, he still cannot put an image to his face because there is something not right about him.
    1. Since Enfield was the first person to witness Hyde but failed to put a description to him, suggests that Hyde is mysterious and malicious. It remains throughout the novel that no one can describe Hyde which adds suspense to his horrifying character.

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	Created by Megan Campbell over 8 years ago