Strange case of DR Jekyll and MR Hyde
Background
The Victorian period
Science and the supernatural
Gothic fiction
Dual nature
Setting
The novel is set in London at the end of the nineteenth century.
DR JEKYLL: lives in a fancy townhouse in a street with similar houses. Jekyll’s
reputation is very important to him and his living conditions reflect this. The
laboratory is also associated with Jekyll. The laboratory is described as ‘sinister block
of buildings’, in an alley street, where the windows are covered and the door has not
been cleaned. Jekyll uses the back door to enter his house, when he has transformed
into Hyde.
MR HYDE: lives in Soho, a down market part of London that was infamous area for
robbers, poor people and prostitutes.
Characters
Mr Gabriel John Utterson: Victorian gentleman and well respected lawyer in
London. He is serious, rational, professional and very loyal to his clients and
friends. Lawyer of Dr Jekyll and Sir Danvers Carew.
Dr Henry Jekyll: respected doctor and scientist. Tall, large, wealthy and good
reputation.
Mr Edward Hyde: Jekyll’s dark side, completely self-centred, reckless, evil and
without a conscience. Murders Sir Danvers Carew
Mr Richard Enfield: distant cousin of Mr Utterson.Regularly goes on Sunday
afternoon walks with Utterson.
Dr Hastie Lanyon: respectable doctor and Dr Jekyll’s closest friend of many
years. Dies soon after seeing Mr Hyde turn in Dr Jekyll.
Mr Poole: Butler for Dr Jekyll for 20 years. Loyal and reliable.
, Mr Guest: Mr Utterson’s clerk and an expert in handwriting.
Sir Danvers Carew: Member of Parliament and client of Mr Utterson. He is
murdered by Edward Hyde.
Inspector Newcomen of Scotland Yard: The officer who accompanies Utterson
on a search of Hyde’s house in Soho after the murder of Sir Danvers Carew.
Mr Bradshaw: footman.
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Background
The Victorian period
Science and the supernatural
Gothic fiction
Dual nature
Setting
The novel is set in London at the end of the nineteenth century.
DR JEKYLL: lives in a fancy townhouse in a street with similar houses. Jekyll’s
reputation is very important to him and his living conditions reflect this. The
laboratory is also associated with Jekyll. The laboratory is described as ‘sinister block
of buildings’, in an alley street, where the windows are covered and the door has not
been cleaned. Jekyll uses the back door to enter his house, when he has transformed
into Hyde.
MR HYDE: lives in Soho, a down market part of London that was infamous area for
robbers, poor people and prostitutes.
Characters
Mr Gabriel John Utterson: Victorian gentleman and well respected lawyer in
London. He is serious, rational, professional and very loyal to his clients and
friends. Lawyer of Dr Jekyll and Sir Danvers Carew.
Dr Henry Jekyll: respected doctor and scientist. Tall, large, wealthy and good
reputation.
Mr Edward Hyde: Jekyll’s dark side, completely self-centred, reckless, evil and
without a conscience. Murders Sir Danvers Carew
Mr Richard Enfield: distant cousin of Mr Utterson.Regularly goes on Sunday
afternoon walks with Utterson.
Dr Hastie Lanyon: respectable doctor and Dr Jekyll’s closest friend of many
years. Dies soon after seeing Mr Hyde turn in Dr Jekyll.
Mr Poole: Butler for Dr Jekyll for 20 years. Loyal and reliable.
, Mr Guest: Mr Utterson’s clerk and an expert in handwriting.
Sir Danvers Carew: Member of Parliament and client of Mr Utterson. He is
murdered by Edward Hyde.
Inspector Newcomen of Scotland Yard: The officer who accompanies Utterson
on a search of Hyde’s house in Soho after the murder of Sir Danvers Carew.
Mr Bradshaw: footman.
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