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Feb 6, 2023
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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Chapter 5: Annotated Analysis of 'The Incident of the Letter'
Evangeline
@evaoladimeji
Incident of the Letter: Part 1
Chapter 5 opens with Mr Utterson visiting Dr Jekyll after the murder of Sir Danvers Carew. This scene reveals crucial insights into the Jekyll-Hyde relationship through carefully crafted dialogue and setting details.
Jekyll's cabinet establishes an atmosphere of secrecy and containment:
- A large room with "dusty windows barred with iron"
- Glass cabinets and a business table suggesting Jekyll's professional status
- The fog creating a sense of isolation and concealment
When Utterson enters, Jekyll appears "deathly sick" and greets his visitor with a "cold hand," showing his distress following Hyde's violent actions. Their conversation reveals Jekyll's complicated relationship with Hyde:
- Jekyll swears he is "done with him in this world"
- He claims Hyde is "safe" and "will never more be heard of"
- Jekyll displays a "feverish manner" that concerns Utterson
The most significant plot development comes when Jekyll reveals he has received a letter from Hyde. This letter:
- Is written in an "odd, upright hand"
- Claims Hyde has "means of escape"
- Reassures Jekyll he need not fear for Hyde's safety
Key Concept: The duality theme is powerfully presented through Jekyll's contradictory behaviour. While claiming to reject Hyde completely, his "feverish manner" suggests a deeper connection, highlighting the struggle between good and evil within one person.
The letter itself becomes evidence that Utterson evaluates carefully. When Jekyll admits Hyde dictated the terms of his will regarding disappearance, Utterson concludes: "He meant to murder you. You had a fine escape."
Jekyll's response is telling: "I have had what is far more to the purpose... I have had a lesson—O God, Utterson, what a lesson I have had!" This emotional outburst suggests genuine remorse and hints that Jekyll bears more responsibility for Hyde's actions than he admits.
Incident of the Letter: Part 2
As Utterson prepares to leave Jekyll's home, a crucial contradiction emerges that deepens the mystery. When questioning Poole about the letter's delivery, Poole insists that no letter had arrived that day. This discrepancy immediately renews Utterson's suspicions:
- The letter must have come through the laboratory door
- It may have been written in Jekyll's cabinet
- This suggests an even closer connection between Jekyll and Hyde
The gothic atmosphere intensifies as Utterson exits into the fog-filled London streets, where newsboys shout about the "shocking murder of an M.P." This creates a sense of public scandal that threatens Jekyll's reputation.
Seeking advice, Utterson consults his head clerk, Mr Guest, who is an expert in handwriting. Stevenson uses rich imagery to describe their meeting:
- They sit by a warm firelight that contrasts with the foggy city outside
- London is described as a "drowned city" with lamps like "carbuncles"
- The "procession of the town's life" rolls through "great arteries" like a "mighty wind"
This atmospheric description uses pathetic fallacy to enhance the sense of concealment and moral ambiguity.
The chapter reaches its climax when Guest compares Hyde's letter with Jekyll's handwriting:
- Guest notes "a rather singular resemblance" between the hands
- They are "in many points identical: only differently sloped"
- This revelation shocks Utterson deeply
Key Example: The handwriting comparison is a masterful plot device that provides physical evidence of Jekyll and Hyde's connection. Stevenson uses this subtle clue to hint at their shared identity while maintaining mystery for the reader.
The chapter ends with Utterson's disturbing realization: "Henry Jekyll forge for a murderer!" The final line—"his blood ran cold in his veins"—leaves readers with a sense of dread and foreboding, perfectly capturing the gothic horror element of the novel.
This chapter significantly advances the theme of good versus evil by showing how Jekyll's respectable facade is beginning to crack, revealing the darkness beneath his gentlemanly exterior.
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
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Chapter 5: Annotated Analysis of 'The Incident of the Letter'
Evangeline
@evaoladimeji
Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" explores the duality of human nature through a compelling Victorian mystery. Chapter 5, "Incident of the Letter," serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative, revealing important... Show more
Incident of the Letter: Part 1
Chapter 5 opens with Mr Utterson visiting Dr Jekyll after the murder of Sir Danvers Carew. This scene reveals crucial insights into the Jekyll-Hyde relationship through carefully crafted dialogue and setting details.
Jekyll's cabinet establishes an atmosphere of secrecy and containment:
- A large room with "dusty windows barred with iron"
- Glass cabinets and a business table suggesting Jekyll's professional status
- The fog creating a sense of isolation and concealment
When Utterson enters, Jekyll appears "deathly sick" and greets his visitor with a "cold hand," showing his distress following Hyde's violent actions. Their conversation reveals Jekyll's complicated relationship with Hyde:
- Jekyll swears he is "done with him in this world"
- He claims Hyde is "safe" and "will never more be heard of"
- Jekyll displays a "feverish manner" that concerns Utterson
The most significant plot development comes when Jekyll reveals he has received a letter from Hyde. This letter:
- Is written in an "odd, upright hand"
- Claims Hyde has "means of escape"
- Reassures Jekyll he need not fear for Hyde's safety
Key Concept: The duality theme is powerfully presented through Jekyll's contradictory behaviour. While claiming to reject Hyde completely, his "feverish manner" suggests a deeper connection, highlighting the struggle between good and evil within one person.
The letter itself becomes evidence that Utterson evaluates carefully. When Jekyll admits Hyde dictated the terms of his will regarding disappearance, Utterson concludes: "He meant to murder you. You had a fine escape."
Jekyll's response is telling: "I have had what is far more to the purpose... I have had a lesson—O God, Utterson, what a lesson I have had!" This emotional outburst suggests genuine remorse and hints that Jekyll bears more responsibility for Hyde's actions than he admits.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Incident of the Letter: Part 2
As Utterson prepares to leave Jekyll's home, a crucial contradiction emerges that deepens the mystery. When questioning Poole about the letter's delivery, Poole insists that no letter had arrived that day. This discrepancy immediately renews Utterson's suspicions:
- The letter must have come through the laboratory door
- It may have been written in Jekyll's cabinet
- This suggests an even closer connection between Jekyll and Hyde
The gothic atmosphere intensifies as Utterson exits into the fog-filled London streets, where newsboys shout about the "shocking murder of an M.P." This creates a sense of public scandal that threatens Jekyll's reputation.
Seeking advice, Utterson consults his head clerk, Mr Guest, who is an expert in handwriting. Stevenson uses rich imagery to describe their meeting:
- They sit by a warm firelight that contrasts with the foggy city outside
- London is described as a "drowned city" with lamps like "carbuncles"
- The "procession of the town's life" rolls through "great arteries" like a "mighty wind"
This atmospheric description uses pathetic fallacy to enhance the sense of concealment and moral ambiguity.
The chapter reaches its climax when Guest compares Hyde's letter with Jekyll's handwriting:
- Guest notes "a rather singular resemblance" between the hands
- They are "in many points identical: only differently sloped"
- This revelation shocks Utterson deeply
Key Example: The handwriting comparison is a masterful plot device that provides physical evidence of Jekyll and Hyde's connection. Stevenson uses this subtle clue to hint at their shared identity while maintaining mystery for the reader.
The chapter ends with Utterson's disturbing realization: "Henry Jekyll forge for a murderer!" The final line—"his blood ran cold in his veins"—leaves readers with a sense of dread and foreboding, perfectly capturing the gothic horror element of the novel.
This chapter significantly advances the theme of good versus evil by showing how Jekyll's respectable facade is beginning to crack, revealing the darkness beneath his gentlemanly exterior.
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