Page 2: Jekyll's Violence and Loss of Sympathy

This page examines how Jekyll's violent behavior as Hyde diminishes the reader's sympathy and explores the progression of his moral decline.

Key points:

• Jekyll's violent actions as Hyde reduce sympathy
• The murder of Sir Danvers Carew marks a turning point in Jekyll's moral decay
• The essay contrasts Jekyll's helplessness with his deliberate violent acts

Example: Jekyll's window being "thrust down" violently when Utterson encounters him, reminiscent of Hyde's earlier violent behaviors.

Analysis of Jekyll's violence:

• Hyde "trampling calmly" over a young girl at the start of the novella
• The progression from trampling to murder shows Jekyll embracing violent desires
• The attack on Sir Danvers Carew demonstrates a complete lack of morals

Quote: "Overall, Jekyll's disrespect in the state of Hyde presents him as a cold-hearted being undeserving of sympathy."

Loss of sympathy factors:

• The ease and calmness with which Jekyll/Hyde commits violent acts
• The escalation of violence throughout the novel
• The attack on vulnerable individuals (young girl, old man)

Highlight: The description of Hyde's "ape-like fury" during the murder of Sir Danvers Carew emphasizes the animalistic and undignified nature of the violence.

Why does Hyde kill himself? While not explicitly stated in this excerpt, the progression of violence and loss of control suggests that Hyde's self-destruction may be a result of the complete moral decay and loss of humanity in Jekyll's character.

Page 1: Jekyll's Addiction and Sympathy

This page explores the extent to which readers feel sympathy for Dr. Jekyll in Stevenson's novel, focusing on his struggle with addiction and societal constraints.

Key points:

• Jekyll represents Stevenson's own struggles with addiction
• Sympathy arises from Jekyll's addiction and societal limitations
• Jekyll's downfall is partly due to lack of societal support and his own actions
• Some argue against sympathy due to Jekyll's self-inflicted suffering and violence

Highlight: The essay examines Jekyll's state when Utterson encounters him later in the novel, describing him with "infinite sadness of mien, like some disconsolate prisoner."

Analysis of Jekyll's addiction:

• The metaphor of "slavery" illustrates Jekyll's lack of control
• Jekyll's initial "leap of welcome" towards Hyde reflects the allure of addiction
• The "caged devil" metaphor symbolizes repressed desires in a restrictive society

Quote: "Overall, we feel sympathy for Jekyll due to his inevitable, helpless demise."

Sympathy factors:

• Jekyll's lack of agency in his addiction
• The power of suppressed desires when released
• The terror and vulnerability Jekyll experiences

Vocabulary: Impuissance - lack of strength or power; helplessness

Short character analysis of Dr. Jekyll's addiction:

• Addiction takes power over Jekyll
• He finds pleasure and comfort in Hyde due to societal limits
• His downfall is partly due to lack of societal support and personal choices