Mr. Utterson's Character Analysis

Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, the lawyer and friend of Dr. Jekyll, serves as the primary narrator and moral compass of the story. His character embodies the Victorian ideals of rationality, respectability, and discretion.

Utterson is portrayed as a curious and persistent individual, driven by his concern for Jekyll and his determination to uncover the truth behind the mysterious Mr. Hyde.

Quote: "If he be Mr. Hyde," he had thought, "I shall be Mr. Seek."

This clever wordplay illustrates Utterson's commitment to solving the mystery and protecting his friend Jekyll.

As a bold Victorian gentleman, Utterson is characterized by his moral uprightness and his ability to maintain composure in the face of disturbing events. His rational approach to the unfolding mystery provides a stark contrast to the irrational and supernatural elements of the story.

Highlight: Utterson's persistent and methodical investigation drives the narrative forward, gradually revealing the truth about Jekyll and Hyde.

Despite his initial dislike for Hyde, Utterson remains loyal to Jekyll throughout the story, demonstrating his caring nature and the strength of their friendship.

Quote: "This is very good of you, this is downright good of you."

This quote showcases Utterson's supportive and encouraging demeanor, even in difficult circumstances.

Utterson's character serves as a lens through which the reader experiences the story, his rational perspective making the supernatural elements all the more shocking. His unwavering morality and dedication to uncovering the truth make him a crucial figure in the narrative, embodying the Victorian ideals of duty and propriety.

Science in Jekyll and Hyde

The theme of science plays a crucial role in "Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," reflecting the Victorian era's complex relationship with scientific progress and its potential consequences. Stevenson uses science as a vehicle to explore moral and philosophical questions about human nature and the boundaries of knowledge.

The novel portrays science as a double-edged sword, capable of both innovation and destruction. Jekyll's experiments, while groundbreaking, ultimately lead to his downfall, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked scientific ambition.

Highlight: The transformation of Jekyll into Hyde can be seen as a form of reverse evolution, tapping into Victorian anxieties about Darwin's recently published theory of evolution.

The public's fear of scientific discovery is represented through the characters' reactions to Jekyll's work and Hyde's existence. This reflects the broader societal discomfort with rapid scientific advancements that challenged traditional religious beliefs.

Quote: "Hyde was pale and dwarfish, he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation."

This description of Hyde as a primitive or devolved version of Jekyll plays into Victorian fears about the potential for science to unleash humanity's baser instincts.

The conflict between science and religion is a central theme, with Jekyll's experiments portrayed as going against divine order. This reflects the broader debate in Victorian society about the role of science and its relationship to faith.

Quote: "Satan's signature upon a face."

This description of Hyde links scientific experimentation with sin and evil, underscoring the perceived danger of meddling with nature.

The novel also explores the limitations of science, particularly through Dr. Lanyon's character. His inability to cope with the reality of Jekyll's transformation highlights the potential for scientific discoveries to challenge and even shatter established worldviews.

Stevenson's portrayal of science in "Jekyll and Hyde" serves as a bold commentary on the ethical implications of scientific progress and the potential consequences of pushing beyond accepted moral and natural boundaries.