sir danvers Carew

Cards (5)

  • "London was startled by a crime of singular ferocity and rendered all the more notable by the high position of the victim"

    The first reference to Carew mentioning his 'high position', which would immediately shock a Victorian readership. This is a reflection on the incredibly hierarchical and classist society of Victorian London. He is also immediately introduced as a victim., which heightens the mystery/thriller genre conveyed in the novella. The animalistic connotations of 'ferocity' place Carew in the role of prey and Hyde as predator.
  • "An aged and beautiful gentleman with white hair"
    'White hair' is a symbol of distinguishment and purity alongside the mention of 'aged' which perpetuates Carew's presentation as a victim in the plot. This description of Carew is feminised, perpetuating the view that females are helpless in the novella.
  • "When they had come come within speech (which was just under the maid's eyes) the older man bowed and accosted the other with a very pretty manner of politeness"

    This further emphasises the vulnerability of the character of Carew, which heightens the magnitude if violence committed by Hyde against him. Sets Carew up as a Victorian Gentleman: 'very pretty manner of politeness'.
  • "Such an innocent and old-world kindness"

    This juxtaposes with the evil which is embodied by Mr Hyde. His age is emphasised here. Using the description 'old-world kindness' implies that the current culture is harsher than its predecessors.
  • "With the air of one very much surprised and a trifle hurt"

    Increases the tension surrounding his death, as this leads the reader to assume he was unaware of who Hyde was or why he was trying to hurt him. This reinforces the idea that Carew serves as more of a plot device rather than a three-dimensional character.