The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

I chose Mr. Hyde’s excerpt from chapter 1. The short paragraph describes Hyde with contrasting views. Mr. Enfield, the man narrating the story he’s telling to Mr. Utterson, says things like, “He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn’t specify the point” (Stevenson 11). By contradicting Mr. Hyde’s characteristics, the audience is then prompted to question the credibility of Mr. Enfield, despite him being an upper middle class member of society. Mr. Utterson himself is confused as to how he could have seen Hyde but still be unable to definitely describe him. However, as the novella progresses, we see that it is not only Mr. Enfield who is unable to describe him but everyone who has encountered Hyde. This restores Enfield’s credibility as well as setting a strange and mysterious tone for the novella. Someone that a few people have seen but none of those individuals are certain of his physical attributes, Mr. Hyde is a peculiar character and it is demonstrated throughout the novella.

I chose Dr. Jekyll’s excerpt from chapter 3. To begin, Dr. Henry Jekyll is able to be described by the narrator, unlike Mr. Hyde. He is even described as nice whereas hyde is referred to as “deformed” as well as described with negative, loaded, words. Jekyll cares for Mr. Utterson  and was even concerned about him which is shown when he says “I never saw a man so distressed as you were by my will” (Stevenson 23).  It’s clear by the words of the narrator that  Dr. Jekyll is much more approachable, easier to encounter in terms of friendliness, and can be identified in contrast to his friend, Mr. Hyde, who is very suspicious. Dr. Jekyll is even described as having “[a] large handsome face [...]” (Stevenson 24). The voice of Jekyll is much calmer, concise, and organized in comparison to Hyde’s which is frantic, hasty, and chaotic. The 2 characters are on opposite spectrums and complement each other. One is calm the other chaotic. Other characters in the novella are appalled by Hyde while they respect Dr. Jekyll.

Poem (Collaborator: Tori Hunt)

With this poem we wanted to demonstrate the peculiarity of their friendship seeing as they are total opposites. The intended effect of this poem is to demonstrate to the readers the differing personalities between these two close friends.

Dr. Jekyll                                                                              Mr. Hyde (Tori Hunt)

My name is Henry Jekyll

                                                                            My name is Edward Hyde.

I’m a doctor of many sorts                                               

I'm not an expert in any one field.

M.D., D.C.L., L.L.D., F.R.S., etc.

                                                                     No titles, no credentials, just merit.

I appreciate those around me

                                                                            I'm not too fond of being around most

I am considerate, kind, and I care for others                                                  

I am independent, and strong willed, I can do without others.

I take my craft very seriously I take my craft very seriously

Everyone recognizes me

No one recognizes me

Lately most of my time has been spent with my best friend is Mr. Hyde   

                                    Lately most of my time has been spent with my old friend, Dr. Jekyll.