Chapters
In "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," Robert Louis Stevenson employs a highly intelligent and strategic use of form, language, and structure to craft a narrative that delves into the psychological depths of its characters. The novella's form is distinctly epistolary, presented through a series of letters, confessions, and formal communications. This choice of form not only lends an air of authenticity to the narrative but also provides a layered exploration of the central mystery. Through these written accounts, readers gain intimate access to the inner thoughts, anxieties, and perspectives of the characters, creating a more immersive experience.
The language utilised by Stevenson is a crucial aspect of the novella's atmospheric and suspenseful tone. Stevenson's prose is both eloquent and evocative, painting a vivid portrait of Victorian London shrouded in darkness and mystery. The choice of words and phrases is deliberate, emphasising the stark contrast between the respectable facade of society and the ominous presence of Mr. Hyde. The language contributes to the creation of an unsettling atmosphere that heightens the psychological tension embedded in the narrative.
The structure of the novella is organised chronologically, but Stevenson strategically withholds information, building a sense of anticipation and foreboding. The fragmented revelation of events keeps readers engaged, allowing them to piece together the mystery surrounding Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde gradually. This structure creates a dynamic and immersive reading experience, encouraging readers to actively participate in the unravelling narrative.
Multi-Perspective Writing
The use of three distinct characters—Mr. Utterson, Dr. Lanyon, and Dr. Jekyll—each with their unique perspectives, is a notable aspect of Stevenson's narrative strategy. Mr. Utterson, as the central investigator, approaches the mystery with a rational and methodical mindset, while Dr. Lanyon's scepticism and eventual shock add complexity to the unfolding events.
Dr. Jekyll's first hand confessions provide an intimate exploration of the internal struggles and moral conflicts that form the core of the narrative.
This multi-perspective structure enriches the storytelling, offering readers diverse viewpoints through which to interpret the consequences of Dr. Jekyll's experiments and the ensuing psychological horror. It also allows the writer more opportunities to explain things from different perspectives and paint a more detailed picture.
Utterson is the main perspective. He is the most relatable, and is trying to uncover the same answers that the reader wants to know.
Structure and Building Tension
The way the story is structured, including the dramatic event in the death of Carew, helps to gradually build tension and a sense of foreboding.
Between chapters four and eight, there is a particular sense of mystery about the novel, as the truth about what is happening to Dr. Jekyll, and the identity of Mr Hyde, still remain a mystery.
Stevenson employs foreshadowing throughout the narrative, dropping subtle hints and clues that build anticipation for the unfolding events. Characters often express a sense of foreboding without explicitly revealing the nature of their apprehension. The literary device creates an ominous atmosphere, foreshadowing the dark revelations to come and intensifying the sense that something awful is going to happen.
The Use of Letters and Formal Communications
Stevenson's use of letters and formal communications serves as a narrative device that not only reinforces the Victorian setting but also heightens the suspense. The letters exchanged between characters and the formal documents presented throughout the novella function as primary sources, lending an air of authenticity to the storytelling, they give a glimpse behind the curtain and show us how these characters may have communicated with one another.
At the same time, the formality of these written communications emphasises the societal expectations and rigid norms of Victorian England, further accentuating the contrast between the respectable public image and the concealed malevolence at the heart of the narrative.
Language Choices
Let’s consider some of the language choices made by the author, and why he may have chosen certain words and phrases.
“haunting sense of deformity”
Stevenson sticks with the gothic sense of the novel and Mr Hyde in particular by describing his “haunting sense of deformity” to provide a feeling that he is abnormal, and that there is perhaps even something supernatural to his character.
"I let my brother go to the devil in his own way."
This quote, spoken by Mr. Utterson, furthers religious imagery while also creating a sense of foreboding regarding Hyde. The phrase "go to the devil" is an idiomatic expression indicating allowing someone to pursue a self-destructive path. The use of such colloquialism adds authenticity to Utterson's speech, revealing a glimpse of his personality. This choice of language underscores the moral and straightforward nature of Utterson's character.
"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."
Utterson is supposed to be relatively bland in the scheme of the story. It is not really about him. Many of the descriptive terms used for him explain him with words like “dreary”.
Stevenson uses vivid and contrasting adjectives to paint a detailed portrait of Mr. Utterson, the lawyer. The language employed, such as "rugged," "cold," and "dreary," creates a sombre and reserved image of Mr. Utterson. However, the inclusion of "somehow lovable" adds a nuanced layer, hinting at a hidden depth within the character. The use of these descriptive terms establishes a tone that foreshadows the mystery and seriousness embedded in the narrative.
Summary
Stevenson's meticulous use of form, language, and structure, coupled with the strategic inclusion of letters and formal communications, contributes to the enduring impact of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" as a psychological and moral exploration within the framework of Victorian society. The combination of these literary devices forms a captivating narrative tapestry that continues to resonate with readers, inviting them into the complex interplay of human nature and societal expectations.
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