enfield

• Who is Mr. Enfield in the novel?

  A recurring character accompanying Utterson
• What activity do Utterson and Enfield enjoy together?

  Sunday walks
• How does Enfield contribute to the plot of the story?

  He indirectly introduces Utterson to Hyde
• What Victorian values does Enfield embody?

  Similar values to Mr. Utterson
• How does Enfield show strong morals in the story?

  He ensures Hyde compensates the girl
• What is Enfield's attitude towards Hyde?

  He is not curious about him
• How is Edinburgh divided in the context of the novel?

  Into old sleazy and grander wealthy towns
• What does Enfield's character imply about Victorian gentlemen?

  They may lead hidden lives
• What does Enfield avoid to maintain his reputation?

  Gossip
• What does Enfield's story about the door reveal?

  His moral ambiguity and secrets
• How does Enfield's lack of curiosity affect the plot?

  It contrasts with Utterson's investigative nature
• What is the significance of the chapter "Incident at the Window"?

  It shows Jekyll's terror and despair
• What do the Sunday walks symbolize in the novel?

  Continuity amidst transformative events
• How does Enfield's relationship with Utterson function in the story?

  He acts as a foil to Utterson
• What does Enfield observe during his walk with Utterson?

  Two figures, one being a little man
• What does Enfield's statement about his "long tongue" imply?

  He feels guilty about gossiping
• What does Enfield's reluctance to ask questions signify?

  His desire to avoid uncomfortable truths
• What does Utterson's inquiry about the door reveal about him?

  His curiosity about Hyde
• How does Enfield react to Utterson's concerns?

  He nods seriously and walks on
• What does Enfield's silence after witnessing an event suggest?

  His shock and inaction
• Who is Mr. Enfield in relation to Mr. Utterson?

  A distant relative
• What role does Mr. Enfield play in the novel?

  He is a witness to Hyde's violence
• Why is Mr. Enfield's perspective significant?

  He lacks a direct connection to Jekyll
• How does Mr. Enfield's neutrality affect his observations?

  It allows for a general public perspective
• What themes does Mr. Enfield's character emphasize?

  • Public identity
  • Reputation
  • Perception of Jekyll's discovery
• How does Mr. Enfield react to Hyde's actions?

  With silent judgement and concern
• Why does Mr. Enfield refrain from using names in his story?

  To maintain his public persona
• What does Mr. Enfield's silence signify?

  His adherence to social norms
• How does Mr. Enfield describe himself in Chapter 1?

  As "the well-known man about town"
• What qualities characterize Mr. Enfield's character?

  Dignity, respect, and restraint
• How does Mr. Enfield embody Victorian values?

  Through his commitment to social standards
• What does "singularly dull" suggest about Mr. Enfield?

  He has a sense of self-discipline
• How does Mr. Enfield's disinterest in the unusual affect his character?

  It reinforces his respectability
• “Well, sir, he was like the rest of us; every time he looked at my prisoner, I saw that Sawbones turn sick and white with desire to kill him. I knew what was in his mind, just as he knew what was in mine; and killing being out of the question, we did the next best. We told the man we could and would make such a scandal out of this as should make his name stink from one end of London to the other. If he had any friends or any credit, we undertook that he should lose them.”
• In Chapter 1, Mr. Enfield is recounting to Mr. Utterson how he witnessed Mr. Hyde trample a young girl as he was rounding a corner. Enfield describes how he held the man captive, demanding money to keep the incident quiet. The fact that Hyde complies so readily underscores the Victorian Era’s emphasis on personal reputation.
• “Yes, it’s a bad story. For my man was a fellow that nobody could have to do with, a really damnable man; and the person that drew the cheque is the very pink of the proprieties, celebrated too, and (what makes it worse) one of your fellows who do what they call good.”
• Enfield describes to Utterson how the check he received from the disreputable Hyde was signed by the reputable Jekyll. Enfield puzzles over how two men of vastly different reputations could be related. Enfield’s words highlight the importance of reputation in Victorian society, and the question of Jekyll’s relationship to Hyde drives the rest of the story.
• “The figure was stiff; but the signature was good for more than that if it was only genuine. I took the liberty of pointing out to my gentleman that the whole business looked apocryphal, and that a man does not, in real life, walk into a cellar door at four in the morning and come out with another man’s cheque for close upon a hundred pounds.”
• Enfield demonstrates a key Victorian value in his statement: common sense. Enfield, employing a healthy skepticism, points out to Mr. Hyde that his actions don’t add up. It is not normal to go into another man’s house at four in the morning, much less get him to sign a check.
• “I feel very strongly about putting questions; it partakes too much of the style of the day of judgment. You start a question, and it’s like starting a stone. You sit quietly on the top of a hill; and away the stone goes, starting others; and presently some bland old bird (the last you would have thought of) is knocked on the head in his own back garden and the family have to change their name. No sir, I make it a rule of mine: the more it looks like Queer Street, the less I ask.”