J&H- jekyll

• ‘ a large, smooth faced man of fifty, every mark of capacity and kindness’
• Quote: ‘ a large, smooth faced man of fifty, every mark of capacity and kindness’

  The fact he is ‘smooth faced’ is unorthodox and even paradoxical since a fifty year old man typically consists of signs of aging. The first introductory description of jekyll almost paints him as artificial, he is a paragon of victorian gentlemen almost to the extent he seems manufactured. He puts up a facade to appease the victorian norms.
• ‘ a large, smooth faced man of fifty, every mark of capacity and kindness’+

  The noun ‘kindness’ highlights utterson’s reason of affinity (naturally liking) with jekyll, jekylls kindness attracts utterson, creating a strong bond we supposedly see through the entirety of the novella- (theme: friendship&loyalty)

  However the syntax of ‘mark’ adjacent to ‘kindness’ foreshadows a hidden stain on jekyll’s morality- he is forever tainted because of the dual side of hyde which he possessed and deeply repressed. (theme: Repression + appearance vs reality)
• Repression + duality

  Jekyll's flawless exterior facade foreshadows the consequences  of repression,his polished outlook consists of something deeper and darker being held back. His sanitised appearance becomes an ironic counterpoint (contrast)  to the barbaric hyde lurking underneath,a monstrous reflection of darkness he seeks to control and his morbid curiosity
• His unblemished facade is evocative of jekyll’s mastery of social performance, which symbolises the dichotomy between surface appearance and hidden realities. He is able to suppress parts of him deemed as unacceptable, akin to his later indulgence with his deep desires without raising suspicion. Jekyll’s mastery in social performance is so well rehearsed- he blinds and deceives utterson of his true nature.
• quote: ‘if i am chief of sinners, i am also chief of sufferers’
• quote: ‘if i am chief of sinners, i am also chief of sufferers’+

  Alliteration between ‘sufferers’ and ‘sinners’ highlights the resemblance between the two. As jekyll is microcosmic for Victorian gentlemen, it highlights the ambiguity and blurred lines between morality and immorality (good vs evil) in society. This profound interconnection criticises the progressive society, where in fact its founded on hypocrisy, duality and suffering. (link to good v evil)
• Duality + repression

  Jekyll's internal struggle of embodying both ‘sinners’ and ‘sufferers’ reveals the battle with indulging in deep dark desires whilst undergoing suffering imposed (forced) by societal repression in Victorian society.
• Quote: ‘if i am chief of sinners, i am also chief of sufferers’

  Despite Jekyll's religious transgression (going against) in pursuit of ‘unscientific balderdash’ he acknowledges that he is still subject to divine condemnation. The biblical allusion to hell, explicit through ‘sinners’ underlines that despite Jekyll's defiance and digression from religion , he remains accountable to God's judgement. (link to science v religion)
• Jekyll’s inner turmoil (confusion) here is reflective of victorian society's struggle between scientific and religious beliefs. The judgement of god was prevalent in society, despite the gradual usurpation of religion by science. (link to science v religion)