In chapter 2, Mr.Hyde is characterized through his conversation with Mr.Utterson. He responds to Mr.Utterson’s call with “a hissing intake of the breath”(Stevenson 9). This action makes Mr.Hyde seem animalistic. His appearance is not described by the narrator, adding to the mystery of who Mr.Hyde is. Mr.Hyde’s tone was guarded and skeptical of Mr.Utterson. He says, “He never told you...I did not think you would have lied” (Stevenson 10). Mr.Hyde is unfriendly and unwelcoming. Mr.Utterson reacts to this by saying “this is not fitting language” (10). While Mr.Utterson is appearing to be friendly and harmless, he is also guarded and skeptical like Mr.Hyde. He does not trust him and believes he has the wrong intentions.
Conversely, Dr.Jekyll does have a description in chapter 3: “a large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness” (Stevenson 12). This description gives the reader a fond image of Dr.Jekyll. He seems to be the opposite of Mr.Hyde, who is scary and untrustworthy. Mr.Utterson’s interaction with Mr.Hyde is similar to that with Dr.Jekyll. Mr.Utterson said to Dr.Jekyll, “You know that will of yours?” (Stevenson 12). Mr.Utterson is not afraid to ask the uncomfortable question. Just like he asked Mr.Hyde to uncover his face, he asked Mr.Jekyll to discuss the will. He recognizes that both of these men are suspicious.
Poem:
The purpose of this poem is to show the characterization of Dr.Jekyll and Mr.Hyde. It is intended to show the conflict in power between the two identities.
Sources:
http://s2.quickmeme.com/img/d6/d6cb40ad18b51c48017f8eadf511c48a6a4a25334e0905a4e8b028fdeb0e05a3.jpg
Stevenson, Robert Louis. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Other Stories. Pleasantville, NY: Reader's Digest Association, 1991. Print.
Hey Jess! Good job on this blog post! I loved your poem. The part you included about Jekyll and Hyde's feeling about Mr. Utterson seemed super important to me too, I agree that that aspect does a good job at separating the two version of the doctor. I also agree with what you said in your paragraphs above. Hyde is definitely described as an animal in the way they describe his mannerisms. Also, I think that his lack of physical description kind of plays into the idea he is an unknown beast, like some kind of supernatural being everyone fears but is never able to quite describe accurately or consistently. Your point about Mr. Utterson being suspicious of both men is also something I agree with. I think it is the fact that Mr. Utterson doesn't understand what is happening to his friend, Jekyll, that makes him oh so curious about Mr. Hyde.
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