How does the description of Hyde as 'pale and dwarfish' relate to Victorian social theories?

It reflects the theory of physiognomy, where physical 'deformity' or 'stunted' growth was seen as a sign of moral degeneracy and criminal nature.

What is the difference between Lanyon's and Jekyll's views on science?

Lanyon represents 'orthodox' science focused on the physical world, while Jekyll pursues 'transcendental' science that attempts to manipulate the soul and human nature.

Why is the phrase 'ape-like fury' significant in the context of the 19th century?

It alludes to Darwin's theory of evolution, suggesting that Hyde is a 'throwback' to a primitive, animalistic ancestor, tapping into fears of human devolution.

What common mistake do students make when discussing the 'good' and 'evil' of Jekyll and Hyde?

They often view them as two separate entities, whereas the text emphasizes that they are two parts of the same person, and Jekyll is responsible for Hyde's actions.

What does the quote 'I incline to Cain's heresy' reveal about Utterson's character?

It shows his non-judgmental nature and his tendency to let others 'go to the devil in their own way,' which explains why he remains loyal to Jekyll despite the red flags.

How does the setting of the 'fog' function as a metaphor in the novella?

The fog represents the secrecy and 'obscurity' of Victorian London, physically masking the immoral actions that occur behind the facade of respectability.

What is the significance of Jekyll's statement that 'man is not truly one, but truly two'?

It is the thesis statement of the novella, asserting that the human psyche is divided between social duty and private, often darker, desires.

When analyzing the quote 'my devil had been long caged, he came out roaring,' what is the key linguistic device?

The metaphor of the 'caged devil' represents the danger of repression; the longer a desire is suppressed, the more violent and 'roaring' its eventual release becomes.

What error occurs if a student ignores the religious allusions in the text?

They miss the moral framework of the story, as Stevenson uses terms like 'Satan,' 'hell,' and 'damned' to characterize the gravity of Jekyll's spiritual fall.

Compare the reactions of Lanyon and Utterson to the mystery of Hyde.

Lanyon reacts with scientific and physical horror that leads to his death, while Utterson reacts with legalistic curiosity and a desire to protect his friend's reputation.

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde: Key Quotations | WJEC Eduqas GCSE English Literature

Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde: Key Quotations

Summary

The analysis of key quotations in Stevenson's novella serves as the primary evidence for exploring the Victorian anxieties regarding duality, the conflict between science and religion, and the inherent capacity for evil within the human psyche. These quotations are not merely plot points but linguistic markers of the 'Gothic' genre and the psychological complexity of the characters.

1. Definition & Core Concepts

Literary Evidence: Key quotations serve as the foundational evidence used to support thematic arguments regarding character development and authorial intent.
Duality of Man: The central concept that human nature is composed of two conflicting forces: the civilized, moral self and the primitive, immoral 'shadow' self.
The Gothic Mode: Quotations often utilize 'Gothic' elements such as darkness, fog, and physical deformity to externalize internal psychological states.
Physiognomy: A Victorian belief reflected in the text where a person's physical appearance (e.g., Hyde's 'deformity') is thought to reveal their moral character.

A diagram showing the spectrum of duality between Jekyll and Hyde, separated by a threshold of repression.

2. Underlying Principles

Victorian Repression: The societal pressure to maintain a 'respectable' facade leads to the violent eruption of suppressed desires, symbolized by Hyde's 'roaring' emergence.
Evolutionary Anxiety: Post-Darwinian fears that humans could 'devolve' back into primitive states are reflected in animalistic descriptions like 'ape-like fury'.
Scientific Transgression: The conflict between 'orthodox' science (Lanyon) and 'transcendental' science (Jekyll) highlights the danger of overstepping moral boundaries.
The Unreliable Narrator: Many key quotes come from letters or limited perspectives, requiring the reader to decode the truth behind the characters' subjective experiences.

3. Methods & Techniques for Analysis

The 'PEE' Method (Point, Evidence, Explanation): State the theme, provide the specific quotation, and explain how the linguistic devices (metaphors, similes) support the theme.
Linguistic Zooming: Focus on specific words like 'savage' or 'deformity' to analyze how Stevenson creates a sense of unease without providing explicit details.
Biblical Allusion Analysis: Identify references to scripture (e.g., 'Cain's heresy') to understand the moral and religious framework Stevenson uses to judge his characters.
Structural Placement: Consider where a quote appears; for example, Jekyll's confession in the final chapter provides the 'key' to re-interpreting all previous descriptions of Hyde.

4. Key Distinctions: Jekyll vs. Hyde

5. Exam Strategy & Tips

6. Common Pitfalls & Misconceptions