Setting Quotes Jekyll And Hyde

Delving into the Dark Heart: Setting Quotes in Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is more than just a thrilling tale of duality; it's a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. The novel's chilling effect is significantly amplified by its evocative descriptions of setting, which function not merely as backdrop but as active participants in the narrative, mirroring the characters' moral decay and the story's escalating tension. Understanding how Stevenson uses setting, particularly through carefully chosen quotes, allows for a deeper appreciation of the novel's enduring power and thematic resonance. This exploration delves into key quotes showcasing how Stevenson uses setting to enhance the narrative's suspense, reveal character, and ultimately, comment on the Victorian societal anxieties that permeate the text.

I. The Duality of London: A City of Contrasts

London itself serves as a character in Jekyll and Hyde, a sprawling metropolis embodying the very duality at the heart of the novel's central conflict. The stark contrast between its respectable and its sinister sides reflects Jekyll's internal struggle and the moral ambiguity of Victorian society. Consider this passage:

"It was a wild, cold, seasonable night of March, with a pale moon, lying on its back as though the wind had tilted it.”

This quote, describing the night of the first murder, immediately establishes a sinister atmosphere. The "wild" and "cold" weather mirrors the brutal act about to unfold, foreshadowing the violence and darkness to come. The unnatural image of the "pale moon, lying on its back" suggests a disruption of the natural order, mirroring the unsettling transformation Jekyll undergoes. This isn't just a description of weather; it's a reflection of the moral chaos at the core of the narrative.

Further emphasizing the city's dual nature, Stevenson contrasts the respectable areas with the squalid backstreets:

"The street shone out in contrast to its dingy surroundings, clean as a penny, bright as a window; only the fog rose against it in dense clouds."

Here, the "clean" and "bright" street stands in sharp opposition to the "dingy surroundings" and the obscuring "fog." This contrast symbolizes the façade of respectability that masks the hidden depravity lurking beneath the surface of Victorian society, much like Jekyll's outwardly respectable persona hides the monstrous Hyde within. The fog itself becomes a recurring motif, representing the secrecy and uncertainty surrounding Hyde's activities and Jekyll's transformation.

II. The Significance of Specific Locations: Mirrors of Internal Conflict

Stevenson doesn't merely describe London generally; he carefully selects specific locations to amplify the narrative's impact. Each place holds a particular symbolic weight, reflecting the internal turmoil of Jekyll and the evolving nature of Hyde’s influence.

Jekyll's Laboratory: The laboratory, a space of scientific experimentation and transgression, becomes a symbol of Jekyll's ambition and his attempt to manipulate nature's laws. The very atmosphere within the laboratory mirrors the dangerous and transformative processes taking place:

"The laboratory was at the back of the house and communicated by a passage with the garden. It was fitted with all the apparatus of a physical laboratory, and was strewn with materials of various kinds."

This description emphasizes the controlled, yet potentially chaotic environment, where Jekyll attempts to control the primal forces within himself. The "various kinds" of materials hint at the unpredictable nature of his experiment and the dangerous potential for things to go wrong. The laboratory is not just a place of scientific endeavor; it is a crucible where Jekyll forges his own destruction.

Soho's Dark Alleys: In stark contrast to the respectability of Jekyll's home and laboratory, the narrow, shadowy alleys of Soho become the perfect habitat for Hyde. These locations reinforce Hyde's brutish nature and the hidden, darker aspects of Victorian society:

"He traversed the length of the street swiftly and silently. There was a piercing quality about the wind that seemed to find its way into his very bones."

The description of the wind emphasizes a sense of unease and foreboding. The bleak and unforgiving nature of the setting perfectly mirrors Hyde’s character and actions, reflecting the violence and savagery that reside in the shadowed corners of the city and in the repressed underbelly of society. The "piercing" wind suggests a penetration of the façade, a disruption of order and calm.

Dr. Lanyon's House: This location holds a different significance, representing the rational and scientific world that Jekyll rejects in his pursuit of duality. The neat, orderly atmosphere of Lanyon's home contrasts sharply with the chaos of Jekyll's laboratory and the squalor of Soho, highlighting the growing chasm between Jekyll and his former friend:

"The room was richly furnished, but in a style that was old fashioned, and rather heavy."

The "old fashioned" and "heavy" style speaks to Lanyon's adherence to traditional values and scientific methods, which are ultimately unable to comprehend or accept the reality of Jekyll’s transformation. The contrast highlights the conflict between reason and the unknown, order and chaos, and ultimately, the limitations of scientific understanding in the face of the inexplicable.

III. Setting as a Driver of Narrative Tension and Suspense

Stevenson masterfully uses setting to build suspense and foreshadow impending events. The descriptions aren't merely decorative; they actively contribute to the narrative's pacing and the reader's emotional response.

For instance, the recurrent use of fog heightens the sense of mystery and uncertainty:

"The fog still hung heavy over the streets, but a pale ray of the early dawn began to penetrate the mists."

This description creates an atmosphere of apprehension. The "heavy fog" obscures visibility, both literally and figuratively, mirroring the hidden nature of Hyde's actions and Jekyll's secret. The "pale ray of the early dawn" suggests a glimmer of hope, but also highlights the persistent darkness that continues to linger. The use of light and shadow, fog and clarity, consistently reflects the internal struggle between good and evil, light and dark, within Jekyll himself.

The description of the scenes of Hyde's crimes further underscores the author's use of setting to enhance the suspense:

"The house was silent. The door was shut. But a lamp burned steadily in the hallway, casting long, ominous shadows."

The stillness and the ominous shadows create a chilling atmosphere, foreshadowing the violent events that have occurred or are about to occur. The "steadily burning lamp" becomes a symbol of unwavering evil, a constant reminder of the presence of Hyde's darkness. The setting doesn't just provide a location; it becomes a key element in creating the psychological tension of the narrative.

IV. The Social Commentary Embedded in Setting

The settings in Jekyll and Hyde are not simply atmospheric devices; they also function as potent symbols reflecting the anxieties of Victorian society. The stark contrast between the respectable and the sordid areas of London reflects the underlying social divisions and the hypocrisy of the time. The hidden, shadowy alleys where Hyde operates represent the repressed darker aspects of Victorian life, the secrets and vices that were hidden beneath the veneer of respectability.

The descriptions of the weather often mirror the emotional state of the characters and the overall mood of the narrative:

"A fog rolled over the city, blurring the outlines of the buildings and muffling the sounds of the street."

This depiction of the fog goes beyond mere atmospheric description. It represents the moral ambiguity and the blurring of lines between good and evil that is at the heart of the story. The fog, obscuring vision and muffling sound, mirrors the societal confusion and the difficulty in distinguishing between appearances and reality. The city itself, a microcosm of Victorian society, becomes a stage upon which the drama of Jekyll and Hyde's conflict unfolds, reflecting the broader societal anxieties about repression, duality, and the hidden darkness lurking beneath the surface of respectability.

V. Conclusion: Setting as a Character in Itself

In Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, setting is far from a passive backdrop. Stevenson masterfully utilizes carefully chosen descriptions to create a chilling and evocative atmosphere, mirroring the characters' internal struggles and reflecting the social anxieties of the Victorian era. Through the strategic use of specific locations, weather conditions, and atmospheric details, Stevenson transforms setting into an active participant in the narrative, enhancing the suspense, revealing character, and offering profound social commentary. The enduring power of the novel lies not only in its thrilling plot but also in its evocative and symbolically rich depiction of the settings that frame Jekyll's tragic transformation and the dark secrets of Victorian London. By understanding the subtle nuances in Stevenson’s descriptions, we gain a deeper appreciation for the complexities of his masterpiece and the enduring relevance of its themes.

VI. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How does the setting of Jekyll's laboratory contribute to the overall theme of the novel?

A: Jekyll's laboratory represents the hubris of scientific ambition and the dangers of unchecked experimentation. Its atmosphere of controlled chaos reflects the unpredictable consequences of Jekyll's attempt to separate good and evil within himself. The laboratory setting emphasizes the potential for catastrophic outcomes when scientific pursuits disregard ethical boundaries.

Q: What is the significance of the recurring use of fog in the novel?

A: The fog serves as a potent symbol of concealment, mystery, and the hidden nature of evil. It obscures vision and muffles sound, mirroring the secrecy surrounding Hyde's activities and Jekyll's transformation. The fog also reflects the societal uncertainty and moral ambiguity of the Victorian era.

Q: How does Stevenson use setting to build suspense and foreshadow events?

A: Stevenson uses descriptions of setting to create a sense of unease and foreboding. The descriptions of dark, shadowy alleys and the oppressive atmosphere of fog build suspense and foreshadow the violence and horror to come. The contrast between light and shadow, clarity and obscurity, mirrors the duality at the heart of the narrative, constantly raising the reader's tension.

Q: What is the social commentary embedded in the settings of Jekyll and Hyde?

A: The contrasting settings of respectable neighborhoods and the squalid alleys of Soho reflect the social divisions and hypocrisies of Victorian society. The hidden, shadowed areas where Hyde operates represent the repressed darker aspects of Victorian life, the secrets and vices that were hidden beneath the surface of respectability. The settings highlight the social anxieties about repression, duality, and the hidden darkness lurking beneath a veneer of order and propriety.

This analysis provides an in-depth exploration of the role of setting in Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, showcasing how Stevenson masterfully uses descriptions to enhance the narrative's impact and thematic resonance. It highlights the multifaceted nature of the novel's settings, demonstrating their function as both atmospheric devices and potent symbols reflecting the complexities of Victorian society and the enduring power of human duality.