Mr utterson

• 'encounted them in their Sunday Walks' Chapter 1 


  Going for walks in The Victorian Era helped maintain public appearance
• 'drank gin when he was alone'- Chapter 1

  • 'Gin' at that time was only drank by the poor, therefore by Utterson drinking 'gin' when he is 'alone' shows that publicly he does not want to be associated with the lower class to uphold his status.
  • Utterson is strict with allowing himself to enjoy things
• 'Approved tolerance for others...and in any extremity inclined to help' - Chapter 1

  • It is apparent that Mr Utterson can forgive others for their misconduct.
  • He doesn't feel a strong need to judge people for their actions but rather seeks to help them in some way.
  • This shows us that Mr Utterson is a kind and considerate man, making him appear more likeable to the reader. As a result, we trust his opinions and judgements.
• Mr Utterson is Respectable

  • Utterson is very aware of Victorian Society Expectations
  • In public Utterson is seen as "lean, long, dusty, dreary, and yet somehow lovable". -Chapter One.
  • Utterson is decribed as dull in appearance but is still 'lovable'
  • This conveys that Mr Utterson is not a showy or elaborate individual however he means well and has good character.
  • It also tells us that he is slightly rigid in his thinking and somewhat reserved, as per the archetypical Victorian Era gentleman.
• 'and though he had enjoyed the theatre, had not crossed the doors of one for twenty years'-Chapter 1

  • It suggests that, even though he takes pleasure from the theatre, he has suppressed his desire to attend plays or shows for 20 years.
  • He probably worries that the fun and excitement of the theatre might lead him to think sinful thoughts.
  • +In context, the type of theatre implied here might be Victorian music-hall where burlesque* dance shows were often sexually suggestive
  • This shows Utterson as respectful as he wants to maintain his status
• Uttersons Narative:

  • Due to Uttersons respectable and loyal characteristic the readers are displayed to a true portrayal of events and Utterson is seen as a reliable Narattor
  • Utterson is a lawyer, therefore he is a respectable, wealthy man in Victorian England
• Uttersons Curiousity:

  • Despite generally conforming to Victorian Society Expectationd, Utterson has a curious streak.
  • This becomes apparent as the narrative becomes centralised to Utterson attempting to figure out the case of Jekyll and Hyde:'If he be Mr Hyde...I shall be Mr seek'
• Truthful Utterson

  • Utterson is seen to always speak the tuth, expressing his honestopinions and feelings of him disliking Hyde
  • Utterson is also seen as truthful as he does not open Dr Lanyones Letter even though he is more curious about the case of Jekyll and Hyde
• "I incline to Cain's Heresy"-Chapter 1

  • This connection to law may have shaped Utterson as a moral and relatable person to those reading whom are wealthy
  • This is Bbiblical imagery- God asked Cain where his brother, Abel, is. Cain replies “Am, I my brother’s keeper?”,in other words – “that’s not my business”.
  • This shows that Mr Utterson tends not to get involved in other people’s affairs, even if they are sinful ones.
• He was concious of some touch of terror of the law and the laws office: 'Chapter 4'
• He was concious of some touch of terror of the law and the laws office: 'Chapter 4'

  • Utterson comments on how law makes him reflect on his own past mistakes
  • Uttersons "terror" could be caused by the justice system in Victorian Society being harsh, so even a lawyer like Utterson would be scared of the law and its outcomes making it a "terror"
• He was concious of some touch of terror of the law and the laws office: 'Chapter 4'

  • It could also show his own conflict inside him- Utterson is in a moral dilema on whether he should uphold law or uphold his loyalty to Jekyll
  • If he raises suspicion towards Jekyll, Jekyll could face the consequences, therefore law becomes a source of "terror"
• 'Tut-Tut'-Chapter 1

  • This shows Uttersons lack of emotion
  • This is typical for Victorian Gentleman as they repressed their emotions and desires in order to maintain their reputation.
• Utterson+Jekyll relation:

  • Uttersin had a close relation with Jekyll over for years
  • It is clear they have parellel opinions as Utterson is more reserved whilst Jekyll is more open
  • Jekyll appears to be more reluctant to reveal anything to Utterson, this implies a distance betweeen the closest friends in the Novella
• "A rugged countenance that was never lightened by a smile"-Chapter 1

  • Uttersons physical appearance is diplayed as rough, tough and harsh-"A rugged'
  • Utterson is a reserved character who keeps to himself
  • "Never lightened by a smile"- the metaphor signifies that he has no emotion which is typical for Victorian Men
• "If he shall be Mr Hyde...I shall be Mr Seek"- Chapter 2

  • 'Mr hyde' and 'Mr seek' the idea of hide and seek alludes to the detective novel conventions Stevenson borrows
  • "I shall be Mr Seek"- the pun shows that although it could be seen as a joke, deep downUtterson is curious and want to find out the truth
• "The last of good influence lives of down- going men"- Chapter 1

  • "last good" highlights that he is part of the last chance to help resu criminals
  • Utterson feels a sense of responsibility and duty to help others resist temptations and overcome difficulties,showcasing Uttersons compassion towards others
  • "down going men"- Utterson sees himself as a positive influence and a man of significant morals