Utterson Meets Hyde
This section of the plot summary focuses on Mr. Utterson's investigation into the mysterious Mr. Hyde and the events leading up to their first encounter.
The narrative begins with Mr. Utterson and his friend Enfield taking a walk, during which they pass a strange, sinister building connected to Dr. Jekyll's house. This scene sets the stage for the introduction of Mr. Hyde's character through Enfield's recounting of Hyde's callous trampling of a young girl.
Quote: "There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable."
This description of Hyde by Enfield captures the visceral reaction people have to Hyde's presence, foreshadowing his evil nature.
Utterson's curiosity about Hyde grows, leading him to actively seek out an encounter with the mysterious man. This pursuit demonstrates Utterson's role as the primary investigator in the story, driving the plot forward through his inquiries.
The section then describes Utterson's first meeting with Hyde, emphasizing the lawyer's shock and unease upon finally encountering the man he's been so curious about. This meeting serves as a turning point in the story, confirming Utterson's suspicions about Hyde's sinister nature.
Highlight: Utterson's reaction to meeting Hyde underscores the theme of appearance vs. reality, as Hyde's physical form seems to embody his inner evil.
The narrative progresses to recount the brutal murder of Sir Danvers Carew by Hyde, a pivotal event that escalates the tension and mystery surrounding Hyde's character. The eyewitness account of the murder emphasizes the shocking violence of the act, further cementing Hyde's role as the embodiment of evil in the story.
Example: The murder of Sir Danvers Carew serves as a clear example of Hyde's uncontrolled violence and lack of moral restraint.
The section concludes with the aftermath of the murder, including Hyde's disappearance and Jekyll's apparent relief. This turn of events adds another layer of mystery to the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde, setting the stage for the revelations to come.