Jekyll and Hyde is all about the dark side lurking...
English Literature300 views·Updated Jun 4, 2026·4 pagesKey Quotes from Jekyll and Hyde with Analysis Guide
Flora@flora143
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Key Definitions and Context
Before diving into quotes, you need to grasp some essential terms that'll pop up everywhere. Darwinism refers to evolution theory, hubris means dangerous overconfidence, and atavism is the idea of evolving backwards - all crucial for understanding Jekyll's transformation.
Victorian society was obsessed with being the "perfect gentleman" whilst secretly indulging in things like prostitution and drugs. This hypocrisy is exactly what Stevenson attacks through Jekyll's character.
The novel taps into Victorian fears about physical abnormalities suggesting moral corruption. Stevenson, being an atheist, suggests that strict Christian repression actually makes people worse, not better.
Quick Tip: Remember that Hyde's "ape-like" qualities link directly to Darwin's recent evolution theory - Victorians feared they might devolve back into primitive beings.
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Early Encounters with Evil
The first descriptions of Hyde immediately establish him as unnatural and terrifying. When Enfield describes how Hyde "trampled calmly," the oxymoron shows someone committing violence without any human emotion or remorse.
Nobody can quite explain what's wrong with Hyde - he's described as having "something displeasing, something downright detestable." The alliteration emphasises disgust, whilst the vague word "something" shows that his evil defies normal description.
Jekyll appears as Hyde's complete opposite - "a large, well-made man" who seems like the perfect Victorian gentleman. However, his arrogant claim that "the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde" shows dangerous hubris that foreshadows his downfall.
Watch Out: The "blackness about his eyes" shows Jekyll's true nature bleeding through - the boundary between good and evil is already weakening.
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Violence and Transformation
Hyde's "ape-like fury" during the Carew murder connects directly to Victorian fears of atavism - the terrifying idea that humans could devolve back into primitive beasts. This wasn't just literary; Victorians genuinely feared this could happen.
Jekyll's confession "If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also" reveals his internal conflict. The biblical reference to Paul suggests Jekyll knows he's damned, but unlike Paul, he doesn't truly repent.
When Lanyon witnesses Hyde's transformation, his "soul sickened" - the change is so unnatural that it provokes spiritual revulsion. This reflects Christian beliefs that the soul automatically rejects sin and evil.
Key Point: Notice how the physical descriptions become more violent and disturbing - "contorted and still twitching" uses harsh consonants to emphasise Hyde's inhuman nature.
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Jekyll's Final Downfall
Jekyll's famous observation that "man is not truly one, but truly two" captures the novel's central theme of duality. Every person contains both good and evil - the question is which side wins control.
The metaphor "sold a slave to my original evil" shows Jekyll has completely lost control. He's no longer making choices; evil is making them for him. This contradicts his earlier arrogant confidence.
Jekyll's claim that "Hyde alone was guilty" reveals his ultimate hypocrisy - he refuses to accept responsibility for creating and unleashing his evil side. The description of Jekyll as "younger, lighter, happier in body" when transformed suggests he actually enjoys being Hyde.
Exam Gold: The "fog rolled over the city" uses pathetic fallacy to mirror the moral confusion engulfing London - nature itself reflects the chaos Jekyll has unleashed.
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English Literature300 views·Updated Jun 4, 2026·4 pagesKey Quotes from Jekyll and Hyde with Analysis Guide
Flora@flora143
Jekyll and Hyde is all about the dark side lurking beneath Victorian respectability, and understanding the key quotes will help you smash your English exams. This guide breaks down the most important quotations in chronological order, showing how Stevenson uses...
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Key Definitions and Context
Before diving into quotes, you need to grasp some essential terms that'll pop up everywhere. Darwinism refers to evolution theory, hubris means dangerous overconfidence, and atavism is the idea of evolving backwards - all crucial for understanding Jekyll's transformation.
Victorian society was obsessed with being the "perfect gentleman" whilst secretly indulging in things like prostitution and drugs. This hypocrisy is exactly what Stevenson attacks through Jekyll's character.
The novel taps into Victorian fears about physical abnormalities suggesting moral corruption. Stevenson, being an atheist, suggests that strict Christian repression actually makes people worse, not better.
Quick Tip: Remember that Hyde's "ape-like" qualities link directly to Darwin's recent evolution theory - Victorians feared they might devolve back into primitive beings.
2
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
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Early Encounters with Evil
The first descriptions of Hyde immediately establish him as unnatural and terrifying. When Enfield describes how Hyde "trampled calmly," the oxymoron shows someone committing violence without any human emotion or remorse.
Nobody can quite explain what's wrong with Hyde - he's described as having "something displeasing, something downright detestable." The alliteration emphasises disgust, whilst the vague word "something" shows that his evil defies normal description.
Jekyll appears as Hyde's complete opposite - "a large, well-made man" who seems like the perfect Victorian gentleman. However, his arrogant claim that "the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde" shows dangerous hubris that foreshadows his downfall.
Watch Out: The "blackness about his eyes" shows Jekyll's true nature bleeding through - the boundary between good and evil is already weakening.
3
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
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Violence and Transformation
Hyde's "ape-like fury" during the Carew murder connects directly to Victorian fears of atavism - the terrifying idea that humans could devolve back into primitive beasts. This wasn't just literary; Victorians genuinely feared this could happen.
Jekyll's confession "If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also" reveals his internal conflict. The biblical reference to Paul suggests Jekyll knows he's damned, but unlike Paul, he doesn't truly repent.
When Lanyon witnesses Hyde's transformation, his "soul sickened" - the change is so unnatural that it provokes spiritual revulsion. This reflects Christian beliefs that the soul automatically rejects sin and evil.
Key Point: Notice how the physical descriptions become more violent and disturbing - "contorted and still twitching" uses harsh consonants to emphasise Hyde's inhuman nature.
4
of 4Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Jekyll's Final Downfall
Jekyll's famous observation that "man is not truly one, but truly two" captures the novel's central theme of duality. Every person contains both good and evil - the question is which side wins control.
The metaphor "sold a slave to my original evil" shows Jekyll has completely lost control. He's no longer making choices; evil is making them for him. This contradicts his earlier arrogant confidence.
Jekyll's claim that "Hyde alone was guilty" reveals his ultimate hypocrisy - he refuses to accept responsibility for creating and unleashing his evil side. The description of Jekyll as "younger, lighter, happier in body" when transformed suggests he actually enjoys being Hyde.
Exam Gold: The "fog rolled over the city" uses pathetic fallacy to mirror the moral confusion engulfing London - nature itself reflects the chaos Jekyll has unleashed.
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.
Most popular content: Analysis
9Most popular content in English Literature
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google 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 SiOS 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 KlichAndroid 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.
AnnaiOS user