Jekyll and hyde quotes

• Dr Henry Jekyll


  Je - kyll (je is 'I' in French. Kill homophone = I kill; foreboding)
• Dr Henry Jekyll: ''My devil had been long caged, he came out roaring.' (C.10)'
• Dr Henry Jekyll: ''there came a blackness around his eyes' (C.3)'
• Dr Henry Jekyll: ''You must suffer me to go my own dark way.' (C.6)'
• 'there came a blackness around his eyes' (C.3)


  • At the mention of Hyde, Jekyll's relaxed, 'handsome' demeanour changes to expose a sinister part of his personality. The façade he maintains in society and company of friends is revealed; this reflects the theme of repression through living a dual life.
  • The noun 'blackness' reveals a darker, menacing part of Jekyll that hints at what he truly is capable of; this is intimidating and threatening to his close friend as he physically changes into something seemingly less human and possibly dangerous and predatory.
  • Although published a few years later, Freud's personality theory explored the idea Stevenson plays with here about humans possessing a primal element of the subconscious mind that is uncontrollable and instinctive, and when tempted, people can behave dangerously and without reason. The blackness taps into the notion that the impulsive, aggressive drive we possess exists under the surface and no matter how civilised a person is, we cannot completely control nor fully hide it.
• 'You must suffer me to go my own dark way.' (C6)


  • Jekyll is refusing help or guidance from Utterson and is continuing down a dark path of isolation. He is becoming reclusive and troubled, hinting at a life of secrecy.
  • The verb 'suffer' combined with the adjective 'dark' creates the impression of punishment, yet hints that Jekyll enjoys indulging in his sordid interests. Perhaps he secretly relishes his dark, evil indulgences and rather than accepting help, he is surrendering to a dual life and immorality.
  • Stevenson may have been using Jekyll's gradual fall from grace into sin as commentary of the hypocrisy of Victorian gentlemen's behaviour. He could be using Jekyll's acceptance of his more evil side to suggest to his readers that once immoral acts had been performed, a civilised, moral lifestyle would be harder or impossible to maintain. He could be holding up a mirror to the wealthy, who will have read the novella, and live a dual life (indulging in drugs, drink, brothels), to show how unsustainable it is as the debauchery was too tempting and enjoyable to resist.
• Mr Edward Hyde


  (Hyde/hide = homophone: hiding from society; hiding secrets; animal hide is thick skin of animals; Mr Hyde is tough and impenetrable like a predator)
• Mr Edward Hyde: '"That child of hell had nothing human; nothing lived in him but fear and hatred." (C.10)'
• Mr Edward Hyde: ''it was like some damned Juggernaut' (C.1)'
• Mr Edward Hyde: ''with ape-like fury, he was trampling his victim under foot ' (C.4)'
• 'it was like some damned Juggernaut' (C.1)


  • Hyde is referred to as something inhuman, unstoppable and merciless. He transforms from a, somewhat undesirable looking, man to a destructive force.
  • The simile compares Hyde to a destructive and overwhelming force that can crush anything in its path. He is relentless and violent.
  • The id (impulsive, childlike, unempathetic) of Freud's theory of three states of the human mind could be reflective of Hyde's behaviour here. When indulged and released, Jekyll becomes immoral in the form of Hyde, something that later readers of the novella (1920s) could recognise the dangers of if they did not police their inhibitions.
• 'with ape-like fury, he was trampling his victim under foot ' (C.4)


  • Hyde is capable of rages and behaviour that is both childlike and murderous. He attacks remorselessly, like a predator taking down its prey.
  • The simile introduces imagery of animalistic acts done out of instinct and irrationality, when describing Hyde. 'Fury' and 'trampling' imply he wants to completely obliterate his victim.
  • The adjective 'ape-like' suggests he is tapping into a more primitive and impulsive side of his personality that is devoid of reason.
  • After the Industrial Revolution of the early 19th century, huge influxes of the working class moved to cities from rural areas in search of jobs, which threatened the wealthy, upper classes. A Victorian reader may have associated the surrounding working class people with Hyde's behaviour due to the concept of physiognomy (judgment and presumptions based on class, appearance), and been fearful of bumping into an 'ape-like' Hyde and becoming his 'victim' when out in society.
• "That child of hell had nothing human; nothing lived in him but fear and hatred." (C.10)


  • In Jekyll's confession, he admits Hyde and the dark side of his own personality was capable of utter evil and destruction without any fear of consequence.
  • The metaphor 'child of hell' shows Hyde is undeveloped and immature but completely dangerous. The abstract nouns 'fear' and 'hatred' indicate that he cannot rationalise his behaviour and can only act out violently. The repetition of 'nothing' implies he resembles a beast without compassion and empathy, something to be feared and avoided at all cost.
  • In a society that values polite, sensible behaviour, upper class Victorians (and those who would be reading the novella) placed their reputation and civilised attitudes above all else. Therefore, to be reminded of Darwin's theory that humans have evolved from a more primitive species, such as apes, threatened the very core of what held this society together. Many would have refused to acknowledge that they could be in any way linked to something or someone capable of destructive behaviour.
• Gabriel Utterson


  (Gabriel: angel of lord and saviour; guardian; Uttersonson: to utter is to speak, although he says few words. He is a lawyer and has a forensic mind so nothing will muddle his judgement, therefore he's an ideal narrator)
• Gabriel Utterson: '"I let my brother go to the devil in his own way." (C.1)'
• Gabriel Utterson: ''If he be Mr. Hyde" he had thought, "I shall be Mr. Seek.' (C.2)'
• Gabriel Utterson: ''If your master has fled or is dead, we may at least save his credit.' (C.8)'
• "I let my brother go to the devil in his own way." (C.1)

  • We learn that Utterson would not interfere in another's business, even if he disapproved of his conduct. It would appear that he believes that each person is responsible for his own behaviour, which is ironic considering the path he takes through the narrative.
  • This foreshadows how his 'brother', Jekyll, will fall into disrepute and he will, although he will try, be unable to stop it from taking place. The noun 'devil' acts as a metaphor for people falling into behaviour considered immoral (drinking, drugs, visiting brothels, gambling) and Utterson chooses to not interfere, like a typical Victorian gentleman.
  • The Victorian era in England was one that stressed morality and self-restraint. Society raised the idea of a Victorian gentleman. This idea brought forth a role for men in society that was incredibly demanding, limiting and stressful. Both public and private, gentlemen always had to meet certain expectations and Stevenson alludes to how many struggled to maintain such an image and therefore led duplicitous lives.
• 'If he be Mr. Hyde" he had thought, "I shall be Mr. Seek.' (C.2)


  • Utterson reveals his inquisitive side here which is hypocritical considering he claimed to not interfere with people at the beginning of the novella.
  • The pun of 'Hyde' and 'Seek' reveal he is curious as to who Mr Hyde is and how he is connected to his friend Dr Jekyll. His curiosity is also a key plot device to driving the narrative as had he been as reserved as suggested at the beginning, we wouldn't have a means to finding out more about Hyde and Jekyll.
  • In Victorian society, gentleman should not have engaged in gossip or been concerned about the lives of others; however, Utterson's temptation to hunt for Hyde highlights the hypocrisies within his own character as he clearly cannot restrain himself as he maintains he can. Although subtle, this detail about Utterson can be seen as a criticism from Stevenson about the impossibilities of maintaining the strict, moral, Victorian code.
• 'If your master has fled or is dead, we may at least save his credit.' (C.8)

  • Utterson is greatly concerned about Jekyll's reputation after he suspects he has been involved in something dangerous and criminal. Even if Jekyll has died, he doesn't want the word to escape about possible illicit behaviour.
  • 'save his credit' is a metaphor for not allowing any details about Jekyll's sinful behaviour to seep out into high society. Utterson demonstrates his loyalty here by standing by his friend no matter what and not wanting his reputation to be tarnished.
  • In Victorian society, there was a heavy emphasis on the importance of reputation and Utterson's panic here highlights the fragility of respectability in Victorian London. Stevenson uses his characters and their behaviour to criticise the social structure surrounding him.
• Dr Lanyon


  Dr Hastie Lanyon is a medical doctor and an established colleague of Jekyll. However, the two have fallen out and are no longer good friends.
• Dr Lanyon: ''The rosy man had grown pale; his flesh had fallen away, he was visibly balder and older.' (C.6)'
• Dr Lanyon: ''hearty, happy, dapper red-faced gentleman with a shock of hair prematurely white' (C.2)'
• Dr Lanyon: ''unscientific balderdash.' (C.2)'
• 'hearty, happy, dapper red-faced gentleman with a shock of hair prematurely white' (C.2)


  • Dr Lanyon is introduced to be a jovial, vivacious gentleman who is sociable and enjoys life.
  • The adjectives 'hearty, happy' give an impression that Lanyon is content with his life and enjoys his social time; the adjective 'red-faced' implies he drinks considerably. The noun 'shock' foreshadows the horrific surprise he is going to experience when he witnesses Jekyll's metamorphosis. He will die 'prematurely' as a result of the event.
  • Stevenson uses Lanyon as a foil for Jekyll as he respects scientific beliefs that Jekyll disputes and vice versa. Perhaps Stevenson uses Lanyon as a character that his readers
• Jekyll's sinful behaviour to seep out into high society


  Utterson demonstrates his loyalty by standing by his friend no matter what and not wanting his reputation to be tarnished
• In Victorian society


  • There was a heavy emphasis on the importance of reputation
  • Respectability in Victorian London was fragile
• Stevenson: 'If your master has fled or is dead, we may at least save his credit.'
• Dr Lanyon


  A medical doctor and an established colleague of Jekyll, but they have fallen out and are no longer good friends
• Descriptions of Dr Lanyon


  • The rosy man had grown pale; his flesh had fallen away, he was visibly balder and older.
  • hearty, happy, dapper red-faced gentleman with a shock of hair prematurely white
• Dr Lanyon


  • Introduced as a jovial, vivacious gentleman who is sociable and enjoys life
  • After witnessing Jekyll's transformation, he cannot cope with the fight between his sensible, rational view of the world and what he sees before him
• Dr Lanyon's state


  In stark contrast to how he was introduced earlier in the novella
• Dr Lanyon


  Unable to comprehend Jekyll's scientific discoveries, representing Victorian society's struggle between scientific advancements and maintaining strict religious beliefs
• Balderdash


  Nonsensical and senseless
• Sir Danvers Carew

  A member of parliament; a gentleman
• Descriptions of Sir Danvers Carew

  • the older man bowed… a very pretty manner of politeness
  • innocent… kindness of disposition
• Sir Danvers Carew becomes prey to Hyde's violent, predatory nature
• Mr Enfield


  A distant cousin and lifelong friend of Mr. Utterson
• Enfield is embarrassed or feels the need to address the fact he was gossiping about his encounter with Mr Hyde
• Long tongue


  Implies Enfield shares gossip about others'