Mr Utterson

• Mr Utterson


  Main protagonist of the novel, a lawyer, and a bachelor
• Mr Utterson's routine

  Formulated around the church bells near his house, demonstrating the importance of religious schedules in his life
• Mr Utterson symbolises

  Honesty & acts as the moral compass of the novella
• Readers experience the novel from Utterson's perspective, providing a stable anchor point through which the events are viewed
• Mr Utterson's characteristics

  • Trustworthy & loyal
  • Respectable
  • Curious
• Mr Utterson's occupation as a lawyer shapes him as a moral and relatable character for many readers
• Mr Utterson

  • Trustworthy & loyal
  • Respectable
  • Curious
• Mr Utterson's curiosity becomes increasingly apparent as the narrative progresses
• Mr Utterson is displayed as the epitome of the Victorian gentleman, respectable, reputable, and rational
• Hyde and Utterson

  Utterson immediately dislikes Hyde and is suspicious of him, contrasting with Hyde's general solitude
• Utterson


  • CURIOUS - Despite generally conforming to society’s norms and expectations, Utterson has a curious streak, especially evident in his pursuit to figure out the case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
  • CANDID - Utterson tends to speak the truth, expressing his honest feelings even when it may compromise his friendships
• Enfield and Utterson

  Enfield informs Utterson about Hyde, and they enjoy frequent walks together, implying Utterson's loneliness
• Jekyll and Utterson

  Close friendship with Jekyll confiding in Utterson frequently, despite their contrasting personalities
• Utterson: '“A rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile”'
• “I shall consider it my duty to break in that door”: 'He is investigative, reasoned and rational - constantly wishing to protect the integrity and safety of his clients, whilst respecting their wishes, at all times.<|>He feels duty bound to protect his friend, Jekyll. This shows the strength of his moral code especially when juxtaposed against Enfield who would have shied away long beforehand.'
• “‘They have only differed on some points of science,’ he thought; and being a man of no scientific passions (except in the matter of conveyancing), he even added: ‘It is nothing worse than that!’”: 'Science does not interest Mr Utterson therefore, he has no conflict of interest caused by strong opinions on science, making him the perfect person to research the relationship which has arisen between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.<|>This may also make the reader relate to Mr Utterson, as the average member of Victorian society will not be overly involved in the realm of science, nor particularly interested. This emphasises his relatively reliable stance as a narrator.'
• “The lawyer put it in his pocket. ‘I would say nothing of this paper. If your master has fled or is dead, we may at least save his credit.’”: 'By referencing Utterson’s profession here, Stevenson is also referring to the professional relationship he has with Dr Jekyll, in addition to the bond of friendship. Mr Utterson is worried about sustaining his relationship with Jekyll, both because he feels he should as his employee, but also as a friend.'
• “If he be Mr Hyde… I shall be Mr Seek”: 'Utterson is a curious, inquisitive member of society - this quote displays the insatiable curiosity intrinsic to Utterson’s character which propels the plot of the novella forwards.<|>He wishes to ensure his clients are safe.<|>Emphasises the theme of duality, opposites, and contrast which is woven throughout the novella, providing Utterson with the role of investigator in the case of Jekyll & Hyde.<|>The idea of hide and seek alludes to the detective novel conventions Stevenson “borrows” in his work.'
• “A rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile”: 'Reserved character; seemingly not affected by emotion, this gives his voice authority as it is unlikely to be biased by emotionality.<|>Aware of the divide between public and private persona in Victorian society.'
• “The last good influence in the lives of down-going men”: 'He is the last chance at rescue for criminals. This shows that he is good in his role as a lawyer as well as a man of significant morals.'
• “professional honour and faith to his dead friend were stringent obligations; and the packet slept in the inmost corner of his private safe.”: 'This demonstrates how, for Mr Utterson, friendship will always be valued over curiosity, even past the point of death. This also proves to the reader than Mr Utterson can be considered as a reliable narrator.'
• “I felt bound to do as he requested”: 'This highlights Utterson’s trustworthy nature and aptitude suited to that of his profession: law.<|>It also demonstrates the strong relationship formed between Jekyll and Utterson.'