Utterson revision
Introduction
Overarching statement: In Stevenson’s novella ‘the strange case of dr
Jekyll and mr Hyde’, Gabriel Utterson serves as a moral contrast to Hyde;
his role as an embodiment of the pursuit of truth and his symbolic
representation of duality highlight Stevenson’s critique of the superficial
morality of the Victorian gentleman. Stevenson delves into the
complexities of human nature and societal morality through the character
of Gabriel Utterson against the backdrop of a Victorian society.
1) Utterson acts as a foil to the sinister Mr Hyde, contrasting his moral
integrity and rationality against Hyde’s depravity and impulsiveness.
His character serves as a moral compass, highlighting the dangers of
succumbing to base desires without consideration for consequences
echoing the concerns raised by max nordau regarding degeneration
and the moral decay of the upper class. However, it can arguably be
read as a critique of the damaging expectations of Victorian society
which forced such repression and inherent duality.
2) Utterson’s relentless pursuit of the truth symbolises the light in the
darkness of the mystery surrounding Jekyll and Hyde. His methodical
investigation into the dual nature of Jekyll reflects a search for
understanding amidst the chaos of societal norms and human frailty.
This mirrors Darwin’s theories of evolution and the exploration of the
complexities of human nature which were prevalent in the fin de siècle
period.
3) Utterson himself symbolises duality, balancing his outward
respectability and inner complexities. Stevenson employs the duality of
the character of Utterson to critique the passive morality of the
Victorian gentleman. Stevenson exposes how their outward decency
often masks inner conflicts and unacknowledged darker impulses.
Through utterson’s passive morality and superficial adherence to
societal expectations, Stevenson illustrates the fragility and hypocrisy
underlying the seemingly virtuous lives of Victorian men, revealing the
struggle that exists within everyone regardless of outward
appearances. Stevenson employs the hypocrisy of upper class morality
and the duality of Utterson to reflect Freudian ideas of the repressed
self in order to exploit the fears of society at the time and satirises the
duality of the whole society.
Quotations
‘He enjoyed the theatre but had not crossed the doors of one for 20 years’
Strict moral discipline
Introduction
Overarching statement: In Stevenson’s novella ‘the strange case of dr
Jekyll and mr Hyde’, Gabriel Utterson serves as a moral contrast to Hyde;
his role as an embodiment of the pursuit of truth and his symbolic
representation of duality highlight Stevenson’s critique of the superficial
morality of the Victorian gentleman. Stevenson delves into the
complexities of human nature and societal morality through the character
of Gabriel Utterson against the backdrop of a Victorian society.
1) Utterson acts as a foil to the sinister Mr Hyde, contrasting his moral
integrity and rationality against Hyde’s depravity and impulsiveness.
His character serves as a moral compass, highlighting the dangers of
succumbing to base desires without consideration for consequences
echoing the concerns raised by max nordau regarding degeneration
and the moral decay of the upper class. However, it can arguably be
read as a critique of the damaging expectations of Victorian society
which forced such repression and inherent duality.
2) Utterson’s relentless pursuit of the truth symbolises the light in the
darkness of the mystery surrounding Jekyll and Hyde. His methodical
investigation into the dual nature of Jekyll reflects a search for
understanding amidst the chaos of societal norms and human frailty.
This mirrors Darwin’s theories of evolution and the exploration of the
complexities of human nature which were prevalent in the fin de siècle
period.
3) Utterson himself symbolises duality, balancing his outward
respectability and inner complexities. Stevenson employs the duality of
the character of Utterson to critique the passive morality of the
Victorian gentleman. Stevenson exposes how their outward decency
often masks inner conflicts and unacknowledged darker impulses.
Through utterson’s passive morality and superficial adherence to
societal expectations, Stevenson illustrates the fragility and hypocrisy
underlying the seemingly virtuous lives of Victorian men, revealing the
struggle that exists within everyone regardless of outward
appearances. Stevenson employs the hypocrisy of upper class morality
and the duality of Utterson to reflect Freudian ideas of the repressed
self in order to exploit the fears of society at the time and satirises the
duality of the whole society.
Quotations
‘He enjoyed the theatre but had not crossed the doors of one for 20 years’
Strict moral discipline
