Jekyll and Hyde is all about the dark side lurking... Show more
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29 Dec 2025
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Key Quotes from Jekyll and Hyde with Analysis Guide
Flora
@flora143
1 / 4
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.
Early Encounters with Evil (Chapters 1-3)
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.
Violence and Transformation (Chapters 4-8)
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.
Jekyll's Final Downfall (Chapters 9-10)
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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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
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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 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... Show more
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.
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
Early Encounters with Evil (Chapters 1-3)
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.
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 Transformation (Chapters 4-8)
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.
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 Final Downfall (Chapters 9-10)
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.
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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