‘Utterson is presented as a respectable and rational Victorian Gentleman in the novel. To what
extent do you agree with this statement?
Think about:
· How Utterson is presented in this extract.
· How Utterson is presented in the rest of the novel (Chapters 1-3 that we have studied so far.)
Stevenson depicts Mr Utterson as the perfect Victorian gentleman, constantly seeking opportunity
to preserve order and decorum, he’s an extremely uninteresting character but is seen to have a dual
personality; much like the dual nature of man. Utterson places social and moral restraints upon
himself, repressing his true passions, complying to the idea of Victorian respectability. It’s clear that
he values respectability hence he guards reputations of others as if they were his own. Significantly,
readers experience the novel from his point of view, and it’s assumed (due to his respectable
profession and honest character) that he’s a dependable narrator portraying a true account of the
events. Thus, the writer illustrates him as a respectable Victorian gentleman because of his many
dutiful formalities for religious and reputation purposes, which would’ve ensured that he reach the
ultimate goal after death, heaven. Yet I only mostly agree with the statement because his rare traits
of tolerance and curiosity miscorrelate with the social norms, him being a kind-hearted, inquisitive
man who doesn’t only prioritise public appearance. Utterson is seen to be driven by his curiosity
similarly to Hyde, however it doesn’t lead to his downfall like the latter, it can be suggested that he
becomes overbearing and nosy due to his overly caring nature.
In the extract and throughout the novel, Utterson is aware of the public expectations for a reputable
individual in society and maintains a solemn conduct, despite his loyal and caring nature; evident
when Stevenson describes him to be ‘long, lean, dusty, dreary, and yet somehow lovable’. Asyndetic
listing effectively portrays his dull and proper appearance suggesting he’s uninteresting, untouched,
and possibly overlooked because Stevenson intended to create the most believable standard
Victorian gentlemen – his character isn’t meant to draw attention. In addition, the alliterations
include elongated ‘l’ sounds and short snappy ‘d’ sounds, half are long, and half are short which links
to the duality of man within Utterson. This implies he has two sides to him, the public rational and
reasonable side but also his curious and frantic nature within, his humanity is shown especially when
he’s described as ‘somehow lovable’ the adjective contrasts with the previous clause which captures
his dreary character. Although he’s quite boring, he has friends, and his lovability is rooted in his few
good qualities: loyalty and tolerance – which he relies greatly on in all of his relationships. Thus, the
writer successfully implies that the lawyer is aware of how to create a good public image, whilst still
showing his sentimental aspects.
Furthermore, the lawyer lives off of pure discipline and duty, as the typical Victorian would, this is
revealed to readers when he’s ‘austere… though he enjoyed the theatre, had not crossed the doors
of one for twenty years’. The adjective ‘austere’ implies that Utterson is self-disciplined and non-
indulgent even in the things he enjoys most, solely for the purpose of adherence to the strict
standards of Victorian respectability. Victorians weren’t seen to be enjoying theatre unless they
were of a lower status, proving that Utterson would’ve been frowned upon and gossiped about,
tarnishing his flawless public image. The pious nature of Victorian society meant that many people
suppressed their desires and feelings. This resulted in many people questioning their 'goodness' as a
extent do you agree with this statement?
Think about:
· How Utterson is presented in this extract.
· How Utterson is presented in the rest of the novel (Chapters 1-3 that we have studied so far.)
Stevenson depicts Mr Utterson as the perfect Victorian gentleman, constantly seeking opportunity
to preserve order and decorum, he’s an extremely uninteresting character but is seen to have a dual
personality; much like the dual nature of man. Utterson places social and moral restraints upon
himself, repressing his true passions, complying to the idea of Victorian respectability. It’s clear that
he values respectability hence he guards reputations of others as if they were his own. Significantly,
readers experience the novel from his point of view, and it’s assumed (due to his respectable
profession and honest character) that he’s a dependable narrator portraying a true account of the
events. Thus, the writer illustrates him as a respectable Victorian gentleman because of his many
dutiful formalities for religious and reputation purposes, which would’ve ensured that he reach the
ultimate goal after death, heaven. Yet I only mostly agree with the statement because his rare traits
of tolerance and curiosity miscorrelate with the social norms, him being a kind-hearted, inquisitive
man who doesn’t only prioritise public appearance. Utterson is seen to be driven by his curiosity
similarly to Hyde, however it doesn’t lead to his downfall like the latter, it can be suggested that he
becomes overbearing and nosy due to his overly caring nature.
In the extract and throughout the novel, Utterson is aware of the public expectations for a reputable
individual in society and maintains a solemn conduct, despite his loyal and caring nature; evident
when Stevenson describes him to be ‘long, lean, dusty, dreary, and yet somehow lovable’. Asyndetic
listing effectively portrays his dull and proper appearance suggesting he’s uninteresting, untouched,
and possibly overlooked because Stevenson intended to create the most believable standard
Victorian gentlemen – his character isn’t meant to draw attention. In addition, the alliterations
include elongated ‘l’ sounds and short snappy ‘d’ sounds, half are long, and half are short which links
to the duality of man within Utterson. This implies he has two sides to him, the public rational and
reasonable side but also his curious and frantic nature within, his humanity is shown especially when
he’s described as ‘somehow lovable’ the adjective contrasts with the previous clause which captures
his dreary character. Although he’s quite boring, he has friends, and his lovability is rooted in his few
good qualities: loyalty and tolerance – which he relies greatly on in all of his relationships. Thus, the
writer successfully implies that the lawyer is aware of how to create a good public image, whilst still
showing his sentimental aspects.
Furthermore, the lawyer lives off of pure discipline and duty, as the typical Victorian would, this is
revealed to readers when he’s ‘austere… though he enjoyed the theatre, had not crossed the doors
of one for twenty years’. The adjective ‘austere’ implies that Utterson is self-disciplined and non-
indulgent even in the things he enjoys most, solely for the purpose of adherence to the strict
standards of Victorian respectability. Victorians weren’t seen to be enjoying theatre unless they
were of a lower status, proving that Utterson would’ve been frowned upon and gossiped about,
tarnishing his flawless public image. The pious nature of Victorian society meant that many people
suppressed their desires and feelings. This resulted in many people questioning their 'goodness' as a
