Jekyll and Hyde Chapter 1

Jekyll and Hyde Chapter 1

1. Reader is introduced to Utterson and Enfield

   • Chapter introduces Gabriel Utterson, a well-respected lawyer
     • Who narrative the majority of the novella is in
     • Utterson's a typical Victorian gentleman
       • He's "embarrassed" in conversations and hides his emotions
       • He's rational - as a lawyer he deals in facts and evidence
   • Utterson and Enfield appear to have nothing in common, but they enjoy spending time together
   • Two men go on Sunday walks together during which they say "nothing"
     • Their silence creates suspense and a lack of information
       • In Victorian society, discretion was preferred to gossip
         • It's Enfield's rule not to ask questions if something seems suspicious
           • He doesn't want to know about immoral behaviour
         • However Utterson is often "the last reputable acquaintance" of men who have ruined their reputation
           • Suggests that he's more tolerant of sins of others

2. Sets the scene for the start of the mystery

   • Utterson and Enfield walk down a prosperous street in London
     • Shown by the condition of the houses, which have "freshly painted shutters" and "well-polished brasses"
     • One building with "nothing but a door" contrasts with the other buildings
       • Stevenson uses negative adjectives such as "sinister" and "sordid" to make it stand out as unusual
     • Later in the chapter we're told that Mr Hyde has a key to the building and has been inside
       • Link is important as Hyde and the building are both sinister and disturbing

3. Enfield's story introduces Mr Hyde

   • Enfield tells Utterson that he saw Hyde trample a young girl
     • Enfield's language emphasises how evil Hyde is
       • He describes him as "like Satan"
     • Hyde "calmly" tramples over the little girl
       • Shows how easily he does violent things
         • When he produces a cheque signed by a man whose name Enfield won't mention - creates mystery
   • Enfield can't put his finger on why Hyde makes him feel so uncomfortable
     • He says "I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why" - hints at an unusual evil within Hyde
   • Reputation
     • Was important among upper and middle class Victorians
       • Utterson and Enfield promise not to discuss Hyde - whose cheque is signed by Henry Jekyll, in order to protect Jekyll's reputation