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Dec 18, 2025
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Exploring Mr. Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde
- revision help -
@xrevisiontipsandtricksx
1 / 4
Meeting Mr Hyde: First Impressions Matter
When Mr Utterson first encounters Hyde, Stevenson immediately shows us that this isn't an ordinary man. Hyde's reaction to hearing Jekyll's name is explosive - he responds with 'a flush of anger' and accuses Utterson of lying, which is completely inappropriate for polite Victorian society.
The most striking aspect is Hyde's animalistic behaviour. He 'snarled aloud into a savage laugh' - the verb 'snarled' is something we'd expect from a wild animal, not a human being. This immediately puts readers on edge because it suggests Hyde operates on pure instinct rather than civilised thought.
Utterson's physical description of Hyde is deliberately unsettling. He's 'pale and dwarfish' with 'an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation' - this means something's clearly wrong with him, but you can't put your finger on exactly what. Stevenson cleverly makes Hyde disturbing in a way that can't be easily explained.
Key Point: Utterson describes seeing 'Satan's signature upon a face' - in deeply religious Victorian times, this comparison to the devil would have absolutely terrified readers.
The Power of Physical Appearance
Stevenson uses physiognomy - the Victorian belief that your appearance reflected your character - to make Hyde instantly frightening. His 'pale' complexion suggests a lack of life and vitality, almost vampire-like in its deathly quality. Combined with being 'dwarfish', this creates an image of someone physically stunted and unnatural.
The description 'troglodytic' is particularly clever - it means cave-dwelling and primitive, suggesting Hyde hasn't evolved like the rest of humanity. To Victorian readers, this would imply he's dangerous because he lacks the social development that keeps civilised people in check.
Utterson's confused reaction is crucial here. Despite listing all of Hyde's unpleasant features, he admits they 'could not explain the hitherto unknown disgust, loathing and fear' he feels. This suggests Hyde's evil goes beyond the physical - there's something fundamentally wrong with his very soul.
Remember: In Victorian society, physical deformity was often seen as a sign of moral corruption, making Hyde's appearance doubly frightening to contemporary readers.
Hyde's Violence: Beyond Human Control
Later in the novella, Hyde's animalistic nature becomes even more apparent during the murder of Sir Danvers Carew. Stevenson describes him as breaking out 'in a great flame of anger, stamping with his foot, brandishing the cane, and carrying on like a madman.'
The imagery here is deliberately overwhelming. 'Great flame of anger' suggests destructive fire that consumes everything in its path. The verb 'stamping' evokes images of large, dangerous animals like elephants - creatures that could easily crush a human being.
The simile 'like a madman' is particularly effective because it suggests Hyde has completely lost control of his rational mind. In an era when mental asylums were feared places, comparing someone to a madman immediately signals extreme danger.
The phrase 'ape-like fury' reinforces Hyde's position as an unevolved creature. Apes were seen as humanity's primitive ancestors, so describing Hyde this way suggests he's taken several steps backwards in human development, making him unpredictable and savage.
Exam Tip: Always link Hyde's animal imagery back to Victorian fears about losing civilised behaviour and reverting to primitive instincts.
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You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Mr. Hyde in Jekyll and Hyde
- revision help -
@xrevisiontipsandtricksx
Looking at how Robert Louis Stevenson creates one of literature's most terrifying characters? Mr Hyde represents everything the Victorians feared about human nature - he's violent, primitive, and completely lacking in social graces. Understanding how Stevenson uses language techniques to... Show more
Meeting Mr Hyde: First Impressions Matter
When Mr Utterson first encounters Hyde, Stevenson immediately shows us that this isn't an ordinary man. Hyde's reaction to hearing Jekyll's name is explosive - he responds with 'a flush of anger' and accuses Utterson of lying, which is completely inappropriate for polite Victorian society.
The most striking aspect is Hyde's animalistic behaviour. He 'snarled aloud into a savage laugh' - the verb 'snarled' is something we'd expect from a wild animal, not a human being. This immediately puts readers on edge because it suggests Hyde operates on pure instinct rather than civilised thought.
Utterson's physical description of Hyde is deliberately unsettling. He's 'pale and dwarfish' with 'an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation' - this means something's clearly wrong with him, but you can't put your finger on exactly what. Stevenson cleverly makes Hyde disturbing in a way that can't be easily explained.
Key Point: Utterson describes seeing 'Satan's signature upon a face' - in deeply religious Victorian times, this comparison to the devil would have absolutely terrified readers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Power of Physical Appearance
Stevenson uses physiognomy - the Victorian belief that your appearance reflected your character - to make Hyde instantly frightening. His 'pale' complexion suggests a lack of life and vitality, almost vampire-like in its deathly quality. Combined with being 'dwarfish', this creates an image of someone physically stunted and unnatural.
The description 'troglodytic' is particularly clever - it means cave-dwelling and primitive, suggesting Hyde hasn't evolved like the rest of humanity. To Victorian readers, this would imply he's dangerous because he lacks the social development that keeps civilised people in check.
Utterson's confused reaction is crucial here. Despite listing all of Hyde's unpleasant features, he admits they 'could not explain the hitherto unknown disgust, loathing and fear' he feels. This suggests Hyde's evil goes beyond the physical - there's something fundamentally wrong with his very soul.
Remember: In Victorian society, physical deformity was often seen as a sign of moral corruption, making Hyde's appearance doubly frightening to contemporary readers.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
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Hyde's Violence: Beyond Human Control
Later in the novella, Hyde's animalistic nature becomes even more apparent during the murder of Sir Danvers Carew. Stevenson describes him as breaking out 'in a great flame of anger, stamping with his foot, brandishing the cane, and carrying on like a madman.'
The imagery here is deliberately overwhelming. 'Great flame of anger' suggests destructive fire that consumes everything in its path. The verb 'stamping' evokes images of large, dangerous animals like elephants - creatures that could easily crush a human being.
The simile 'like a madman' is particularly effective because it suggests Hyde has completely lost control of his rational mind. In an era when mental asylums were feared places, comparing someone to a madman immediately signals extreme danger.
The phrase 'ape-like fury' reinforces Hyde's position as an unevolved creature. Apes were seen as humanity's primitive ancestors, so describing Hyde this way suggests he's taken several steps backwards in human development, making him unpredictable and savage.
Exam Tip: Always link Hyde's animal imagery back to Victorian fears about losing civilised behaviour and reverting to primitive instincts.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user