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0
E
Eleonore Tournant
09/12/2025
English Literature
Jekyll and Hyde 39/40 essay- GCSE
1,036
•
9 Dec 2025
•
GCSE Jekyll and Hyde Essay: The Character of Jekyll
E
Eleonore Tournant
@eleonoretournan
1 / 3
Jekyll's Secretive Nature and Hidden Darkness
Ever wondered what happens when society forces you to be perfect all the time? Jekyll shows us exactly how that pressure can tear someone apart from the inside.
Stevenson presents Jekyll as deliberately secretive to hide his connection with the evil Mr Hyde. In Chapter 3, when Utterson asks about his mysterious will, Jekyll dodges the questions by demanding Utterson "let it sleep." The vague word "it" shows Jekyll is desperately hiding something massive - his alter ego. The verb "sleep" is clever because it suggests Hyde isn't gone, just temporarily hidden, like a monster waiting to wake up.
Hyde represents pure evil without any moral boundaries. When he "calmly trampled" a young girl, Stevenson uses this shocking oxymoron to show Hyde's complete lack of empathy. The word "calmly" makes it even more disturbing - this isn't a crime of passion, but cold, calculated cruelty.
Jekyll's secrecy deepens when he says the situation "cannot be mended by talking." The word "mended" reveals that Jekyll himself is broken beyond repair. Stevenson uses this to criticise Victorian society, where people had to hide their true selves to appear respectable, ultimately destroying them from within.
Quick Insight: Jekyll's secrecy isn't just about hiding Hyde - it's Stevenson's way of showing how Victorian social pressure forced people to live double lives.
The Perfect Victorian Gentleman Façade
Think being the "ideal" man sounds great? Jekyll shows us why trying to be perfect can actually be your downfall.
Stevenson describes Jekyll's dinner guests as "intelligent, reputable men" to highlight the impossible standards Victorian gentlemen faced. "Intelligent" shows education and capability, whilst "reputable" reflects high social standing. But here's the twist - these very qualities become a prison, forcing Jekyll to hide any desires that don't fit society's narrow definition of respectability.
The real damage comes from constant repression. In Chapter 10, Jekyll confesses to trying to "conceal my pleasures" and how he "hid them with morbid shame." The phrase "morbid shame" suggests this hiding is literally making him sick inside. Stevenson shows how Victorian society's obsession with appearances created a toxic cycle of guilt and self-hatred.
This repression doesn't make the dark desires disappear - it transforms them into something far worse. Hyde becomes the violent manifestation of everything Jekyll feels forced to suppress. Stevenson argues that society's demand for perfection doesn't eliminate human darkness; it just makes it more dangerous when it finally emerges.
Key Point: Jekyll isn't evil because he has dark desires - he becomes destructive because society won't let him acknowledge them healthily.
Jekyll's Manipulative Control
Jekyll isn't just a victim of society - he's also a master manipulator who uses friendship to protect his deadly secrets.
When Utterson questions him about Hyde, Jekyll confidently declares: "the moment I choose, I can be rid of Hyde." The repeated use of "I" shows Jekyll asserting control whilst completely lying to his friend. When he offers his "hand upon that," it's a false promise designed to shut down Utterson's concerns and maintain his respectable image.
Jekyll's manipulation gets more sinister when he asks Utterson to "bear with him" regarding Hyde. The verb "bear" suggests a burden, showing Jekyll knows he's asking something unreasonable. By appealing to their friendship, Jekyll cleverly pressures Utterson into supporting something that goes against his instincts.
The most dangerous lie is Jekyll's claim he can "rid" himself of Hyde. This reveals his complete denial about his addiction to the freedom Hyde provides. Jekyll isn't in control at all - he's become dependent on his evil alter ego but manipulates everyone around him to protect this secret.
Through Jekyll's manipulation, Stevenson exposes the hypocrisy of Victorian respectability. Jekyll uses the very relationships and social bonds that society values to enable his destructive behaviour, showing how the pressure to maintain appearances can corrupt even genuine friendships.
Reality Check: Jekyll's manipulation shows that trying to maintain a perfect reputation often requires deceiving the people who care about you most.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
GCSE Jekyll and Hyde Essay: The Character of Jekyll
E
Eleonore Tournant
@eleonoretournan
Dr Jekyll might seem like the perfect Victorian gentleman on the surface, but Stevenson uses his character to expose the dark secrets lurking beneath respectable society. Through Jekyll's secretive behaviour, manipulation, and inner conflict, we see how the crushing pressure... Show more
Jekyll's Secretive Nature and Hidden Darkness
Ever wondered what happens when society forces you to be perfect all the time? Jekyll shows us exactly how that pressure can tear someone apart from the inside.
Stevenson presents Jekyll as deliberately secretive to hide his connection with the evil Mr Hyde. In Chapter 3, when Utterson asks about his mysterious will, Jekyll dodges the questions by demanding Utterson "let it sleep." The vague word "it" shows Jekyll is desperately hiding something massive - his alter ego. The verb "sleep" is clever because it suggests Hyde isn't gone, just temporarily hidden, like a monster waiting to wake up.
Hyde represents pure evil without any moral boundaries. When he "calmly trampled" a young girl, Stevenson uses this shocking oxymoron to show Hyde's complete lack of empathy. The word "calmly" makes it even more disturbing - this isn't a crime of passion, but cold, calculated cruelty.
Jekyll's secrecy deepens when he says the situation "cannot be mended by talking." The word "mended" reveals that Jekyll himself is broken beyond repair. Stevenson uses this to criticise Victorian society, where people had to hide their true selves to appear respectable, ultimately destroying them from within.
Quick Insight: Jekyll's secrecy isn't just about hiding Hyde - it's Stevenson's way of showing how Victorian social pressure forced people to live double lives.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
The Perfect Victorian Gentleman Façade
Think being the "ideal" man sounds great? Jekyll shows us why trying to be perfect can actually be your downfall.
Stevenson describes Jekyll's dinner guests as "intelligent, reputable men" to highlight the impossible standards Victorian gentlemen faced. "Intelligent" shows education and capability, whilst "reputable" reflects high social standing. But here's the twist - these very qualities become a prison, forcing Jekyll to hide any desires that don't fit society's narrow definition of respectability.
The real damage comes from constant repression. In Chapter 10, Jekyll confesses to trying to "conceal my pleasures" and how he "hid them with morbid shame." The phrase "morbid shame" suggests this hiding is literally making him sick inside. Stevenson shows how Victorian society's obsession with appearances created a toxic cycle of guilt and self-hatred.
This repression doesn't make the dark desires disappear - it transforms them into something far worse. Hyde becomes the violent manifestation of everything Jekyll feels forced to suppress. Stevenson argues that society's demand for perfection doesn't eliminate human darkness; it just makes it more dangerous when it finally emerges.
Key Point: Jekyll isn't evil because he has dark desires - he becomes destructive because society won't let him acknowledge them healthily.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Jekyll's Manipulative Control
Jekyll isn't just a victim of society - he's also a master manipulator who uses friendship to protect his deadly secrets.
When Utterson questions him about Hyde, Jekyll confidently declares: "the moment I choose, I can be rid of Hyde." The repeated use of "I" shows Jekyll asserting control whilst completely lying to his friend. When he offers his "hand upon that," it's a false promise designed to shut down Utterson's concerns and maintain his respectable image.
Jekyll's manipulation gets more sinister when he asks Utterson to "bear with him" regarding Hyde. The verb "bear" suggests a burden, showing Jekyll knows he's asking something unreasonable. By appealing to their friendship, Jekyll cleverly pressures Utterson into supporting something that goes against his instincts.
The most dangerous lie is Jekyll's claim he can "rid" himself of Hyde. This reveals his complete denial about his addiction to the freedom Hyde provides. Jekyll isn't in control at all - he's become dependent on his evil alter ego but manipulates everyone around him to protect this secret.
Through Jekyll's manipulation, Stevenson exposes the hypocrisy of Victorian respectability. Jekyll uses the very relationships and social bonds that society values to enable his destructive behaviour, showing how the pressure to maintain appearances can corrupt even genuine friendships.
Reality Check: Jekyll's manipulation shows that trying to maintain a perfect reputation often requires deceiving the people who care about you most.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user