Chapter one analysis
- Created by: cristelle_bae
- Created on: 03-05-17 14:11
View mindmap
- Chapter one: story of the door
- introduction of Enfield and Utterson
- Gabriel Utterson is a lawyer, a typical Victorian gentleman. he's "embarrassed" in conversations and hides his emotions.
- Utterson and Enfield are distant relations although they have nothing in common, yet they enjoy spending time together.
- The two men go on walks together every sunday and "say nothing." their silence creates suspense and tension.
- Theme introduced: Secracy- In Victorian society, discression was preffered to gossiping. It's Enfield's rule not to ask questions, as he doesn't want to know about immoral behavior. In contrst, Utterson is the "last reputable acquaintance" of men who have ruined thir reputation, meaning hes more tolerant of sinful acts.
- Theme introduced: friendship- friendship in the Victorian society was very different now, as we can see that people dont need to have anything in common, and clearly they dont tell each other everything. they keep secrets from each other.
- They set the scene for the start of the mystery.
- Utterson and Enfield walk down a prosperous London street. this is shown by the condition of the buildings, with "freshly painted shutters" and "well-polished brasses"
- There is one building which sticks out from the rest. It has "nothing but a door," and is described as "sinister" and "sordid." Stevenson chooses to us these type of adjectives to show how much this building stands out.
- Later we are told that Hyde has a key to that building and has been inside.
- This link is very important- the fact that the uilding is "sinister" and stand out represents Hyde's personality.
- Enfield's story introduces Hyde
- Enfield describes how Hyde trampled the girl at 3 am, and describes him to be "like satan" This description shows how evil Hyde really is
- When Enfield says Hyde "tramples calmly" over the little girl, it shows how easily he does violent things.
- When Hyde produces the cheque signed by a man who Enfield wont mention, this cretes mystery.
- Theme introduced: reputation- In the Victorian era, reputation was very important. Utterson and Enfield decide not to discuss Hyde, who's cheque is signed by Jekyll. They do this to protect Jekyll's reputation.
- Enfield cant decide what it is that makes him feel so uncomfortable. he says "I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why." this hints at an unusual evil within Hyde.
- introduction of Enfield and Utterson
Similar English Literature resources:
Teacher recommended
Comments
No comments have yet been made