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4 Dec 2025
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Key Quotes from Jekyll and Hyde
Isabel
@isabellou
1 / 4
Scientific Morality and Hidden Corruption
When Dr Lanyon dismisses Jekyll's work as "such unscientific balderdash," he's not just being rude - he's highlighting the moral boundaries of Victorian science. Lanyon represents traditional, ethical scientific practice, making him a perfect foil to Jekyll's darker experiments.
The phrase hints at something supernatural lurking beneath Jekyll's respectable surface. Victorian society was obsessed with scientific progress, but many feared that scientists were "playing God" and crossing dangerous moral lines.
Jekyll appears to embody "every mark of capacity and kindness," presenting himself as the perfect Victorian gentleman. However, this carefully crafted image masks his suppressed desires and darker impulses that he desperately tries to hide from society.
Remember: The contrast between characters like Jekyll and Lanyon helps Stevenson explore the tension between scientific progress and moral responsibility in Victorian England.
Violence and Animalistic Behaviour
Hyde's "ape-like fury" during the Carew murder case strips away his humanity entirely. This dehumanisation connects directly to Darwin's theory of evolution - Hyde represents our most primitive, aggressive instincts unleashed without restraint.
The disturbing image of Hyde trampling "calmly over the child's body" reveals his complete lack of remorse. The juxtaposition of "trampled calmly" shows violence has become routine for him - he feels nothing while causing others immense pain.
Jekyll's confession that "my devil had long been caged, he came out roaring" explains the explosive nature of Hyde's violence. The metaphor of the cage suggests that prolonged repression of dark desires only makes them more dangerous when finally released.
Key insight: Hyde's animal-like behaviour isn't random - it symbolises what happens when we completely abandon moral restraint and social expectations.
Atmosphere and Social Class
Pathetic fallacy creates a sinister mood when "the fog still slept on the wing of the drowned city." This gothic imagery reflects the characters' clouded judgement and hints at the dark secrets hidden in society's shadowy corners.
The description of Sir Danvers Carew as "an aged and beautiful gentleman with white hair" immediately marks him as a victim. His status as an MP represents the hierarchical Victorian society, whilst his "white hair" symbolises purity and distinction.
The mysterious door "equipped with neither bell nor knocker" that appears "blistered and distained" creates an unwelcoming threshold between respectability and secrecy. This contaminated entrance mirrors the darkness that exists within us all.
Context matters: The class difference between wealthy Carew and working-class Hyde reflects real Victorian tensions - some critics see Hyde's violence as representing working-class uprising against the elite.
Duality and Human Nature
Jekyll's famous declaration that "man is not truly one, but truly two" challenges Victorian beliefs about rational, civilised humanity. The repetition of "truly" emphasises his shocking realisation about human duality.
His tormented confession "I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers" uses repetition to highlight his guilt and internal conflict. Jekyll recognises that his dual nature makes sin and suffering inseparable - you can't have one without the other.
This quote captures the novel's central message: we all have public faces and private thoughts that society wouldn't approve of. Jekyll's struggle warns us about the dangers of completely suppressing our darker impulses.
Essential understanding: Stevenson argues that acknowledging our dual nature is healthier than trying to be perfectly "good" - total repression leads to explosive consequences.
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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
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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
Key Quotes from Jekyll and Hyde
Isabel
@isabellou
Ready to tackle Jekyll and Hyde quotes like a pro? These key quotes reveal the novel's biggest themes - the battle between good and evil, Victorian society's dark secrets, and what happens when we try to hide our true nature.
Scientific Morality and Hidden Corruption
When Dr Lanyon dismisses Jekyll's work as "such unscientific balderdash," he's not just being rude - he's highlighting the moral boundaries of Victorian science. Lanyon represents traditional, ethical scientific practice, making him a perfect foil to Jekyll's darker experiments.
The phrase hints at something supernatural lurking beneath Jekyll's respectable surface. Victorian society was obsessed with scientific progress, but many feared that scientists were "playing God" and crossing dangerous moral lines.
Jekyll appears to embody "every mark of capacity and kindness," presenting himself as the perfect Victorian gentleman. However, this carefully crafted image masks his suppressed desires and darker impulses that he desperately tries to hide from society.
Remember: The contrast between characters like Jekyll and Lanyon helps Stevenson explore the tension between scientific progress and moral responsibility in Victorian England.
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
Violence and Animalistic Behaviour
Hyde's "ape-like fury" during the Carew murder case strips away his humanity entirely. This dehumanisation connects directly to Darwin's theory of evolution - Hyde represents our most primitive, aggressive instincts unleashed without restraint.
The disturbing image of Hyde trampling "calmly over the child's body" reveals his complete lack of remorse. The juxtaposition of "trampled calmly" shows violence has become routine for him - he feels nothing while causing others immense pain.
Jekyll's confession that "my devil had long been caged, he came out roaring" explains the explosive nature of Hyde's violence. The metaphor of the cage suggests that prolonged repression of dark desires only makes them more dangerous when finally released.
Key insight: Hyde's animal-like behaviour isn't random - it symbolises what happens when we completely abandon moral restraint and social expectations.
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
Atmosphere and Social Class
Pathetic fallacy creates a sinister mood when "the fog still slept on the wing of the drowned city." This gothic imagery reflects the characters' clouded judgement and hints at the dark secrets hidden in society's shadowy corners.
The description of Sir Danvers Carew as "an aged and beautiful gentleman with white hair" immediately marks him as a victim. His status as an MP represents the hierarchical Victorian society, whilst his "white hair" symbolises purity and distinction.
The mysterious door "equipped with neither bell nor knocker" that appears "blistered and distained" creates an unwelcoming threshold between respectability and secrecy. This contaminated entrance mirrors the darkness that exists within us all.
Context matters: The class difference between wealthy Carew and working-class Hyde reflects real Victorian tensions - some critics see Hyde's violence as representing working-class uprising against the elite.
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
Duality and Human Nature
Jekyll's famous declaration that "man is not truly one, but truly two" challenges Victorian beliefs about rational, civilised humanity. The repetition of "truly" emphasises his shocking realisation about human duality.
His tormented confession "I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers" uses repetition to highlight his guilt and internal conflict. Jekyll recognises that his dual nature makes sin and suffering inseparable - you can't have one without the other.
This quote captures the novel's central message: we all have public faces and private thoughts that society wouldn't approve of. Jekyll's struggle warns us about the dangers of completely suppressing our darker impulses.
Essential understanding: Stevenson argues that acknowledging our dual nature is healthier than trying to be perfectly "good" - total repression leads to explosive consequences.
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
Most popular content in English Literature
Most popular content
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