Quote overview table

"Mr. Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged..."

Quote

"Mr. Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow lovable." (Chapter 1)

Context

The novella opens with this description of Utterson, introducing him as a respectable lawyer and friend to Dr Jekyll, setting the stage for his role in observing and investigating strange events in Victorian London.

Analysis

• Character development/transformation shown - Portrays Utterson as emotionally restrained yet inherently decent, establishing his role as a steady observer without personal change throughout the story.
• Literary techniques employed by author - Uses lists of adjectives with alliteration (e.g., "dusty, dreary") and paradox ("yet somehow lovable") to create a complex, reliable persona.
• Symbolism, foreshadowing, or imagery significance - The "rugged" imagery symbolises moral solidity, foreshadowing his persistence amid chaos.
• Connection to broader themes - Ties to repression, showing how Utterson embodies Victorian self-control against the duality of human nature.
• Contextual importance within narrative structure if relevant - Positions him as the novella's moral centre from the outset, guiding the reader's perspective through third-person narration.

"If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek."

Quote

"If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek." (Chapter 2)

Context

Utterson reflects this internally after learning about Jekyll's will favouring Hyde, sparking his determination to investigate the mysterious connection between the two men.

Analysis

• Character development/transformation shown - Demonstrates Utterson's proactive resolve, evolving his role from passive observer to active seeker of truth without altering his core moral consistency.
• Literary techniques employed by author - Employs punning wordplay and rhyme ("Hyde" and "Seek") to inject subtle humour into his serious mindset.
• Symbolism, foreshadowing, or imagery significance - Symbolises the pursuit of hidden knowledge, foreshadowing the revelations about duality.
• Connection to broader themes - Links to secrecy, as Utterson challenges concealment in a society valuing discretion.
• Contextual importance within narrative structure if relevant - Advances the plot by initiating the investigative thread, building suspense in the Gothic structure.

"The man seems hardly human."

Quote

"The man seems hardly human." (Chapter 2)

Context

Utterson utters this after his first encounter with Hyde outside Jekyll's door, reacting to Hyde's unsettling appearance and demeanour during their brief, tense meeting.

Analysis

• Character development/transformation shown - Reinforces Utterson's rational judgement, maintaining his composed exterior while hinting at underlying unease.
• Literary techniques employed by author - Utilises understatement with the adverb "hardly" in a short, declarative sentence to convey horror subtly.
• Symbolism, foreshadowing, or imagery significance - The imagery of inhumanity foreshadows Hyde's role as Jekyll's darker self.
• Connection to broader themes - Connects to duality, illustrating the split between civilised and primal aspects of humanity.
• Contextual importance within narrative structure if relevant - Marks a key investigative milestone, heightening tension through Utterson's observations.

"God forgive us, God forgive us."

Quote

"God forgive us, God forgive us." (Chapter 7)

Context

Utterson says this to Poole during the frantic confrontation at Jekyll's cabinet, as they break down the door and discover the shocking truth about Hyde's fate.

Analysis

• Character development/transformation shown - Reveals a rare emotional crack in Utterson's restraint, culminating his investigative journey with moral reflection.
• Literary techniques employed by author - Features repetition and exclamatory structure to emphasise desperation and religious appeal.
• Symbolism, foreshadowing, or imagery significance - Symbolises collective guilt, tying back to the novella's exploration of sin.
• Connection to broader themes - Relates to good vs evil, showing Utterson's confrontation with moral horror.
• Contextual importance within narrative structure if relevant - Provides resolution to Utterson's arc, contrasting stability with the climax's chaos.

Example analysis paragraph

Quote used: "If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek." (Chapter 2)

Grade 9 PEE paragraph

Point

• Stevenson employs Utterson's wordplay to reveal his determined investigative nature, using linguistic cleverness to underscore themes of secrecy while establishing him as the novella's rational moral guide.

Evidence

• "If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek."

Explanation

• The pun on "Hyde" and "Seek" cleverly mirrors detective conventions, showing Utterson's resolve through rhythmic language that blends humour with seriousness.
• This technique highlights authorial intent to contrast Utterson's clarity with Jekyll's duality, potentially allowing interpretations of Utterson as a Victorian everyman challenging repression.
• In broader context, it drives narrative suspense, reflecting societal fears of hidden evils in late 19th-century London.

Grade 7 PEE paragraph

Point

• Through Utterson's internal pun, Stevenson shows his commitment to uncovering truth, linking to themes of secrecy in the story.

Evidence

• "If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek."

Explanation

• The wordplay creates a memorable rhyme that emphasises Utterson's active role, making his character more engaging.
• It explains how Stevenson uses language to build tension and reveal Utterson's moral consistency.
• Overall, this develops the plot by starting the investigation into Hyde's mystery.

Grade 5 PEE paragraph

Point

• This quote shows Utterson deciding to investigate Hyde, revealing his curious and determined personality.

Evidence

• "If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek."

Explanation

• The pun on hiding and seeking means Utterson wants to find out more about Hyde.
• It helps move the story forward by showing what Utterson plans to do next.