Jekyll And Hyde Setting Quotes

Unveiling the Dualities of London: Setting and Quotes in Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde isn't just a chilling tale of duality; it's a masterful exploration of Victorian London itself. The city, with its stark contrasts of wealth and poverty, respectability and depravity, serves as a powerful backdrop, mirroring the internal conflict within Dr. Jekyll. This article delves deep into how Stevenson utilizes setting and evocative quotes to create a truly unforgettable and unsettling atmosphere, contributing significantly to the story's enduring power. We'll explore the key locations, the symbolism embedded within them, and how carefully chosen descriptions amplify the narrative's themes.

The Duality of London's Streetscapes: A Reflection of Jekyll and Hyde

Stevenson masterfully employs London's contrasting streetscapes to mirror the duality inherent in Jekyll and Hyde's characters. The novel doesn't just take place in London; London is a character, influencing the narrative and subtly foreshadowing events. The stark juxtaposition of elegant, well-lit streets with dark, labyrinthine alleys reinforces the inherent dichotomy of good and evil, respectability and savagery, that exists within the doctor and manifests in the horrifying persona of Hyde.

"There is no law, no law," he kept repeating,"It is too late." This quote, though seemingly unrelated to a specific location, emphasizes the lawless nature of Hyde and, by extension, the darker, less regulated areas of Victorian London. These areas, shrouded in shadow, become the perfect hiding place for Hyde, allowing him to roam freely and enact his violent acts.

Consider the description of Jekyll's respectable home: "The doctor's house was a large one, of old brick, and very much shut in." This imagery paints a picture of seclusion and perhaps, a hidden darkness within. The old brick suggests age and history, while "shut in" hints at secrets concealed behind imposing walls. This sense of enclosure directly contrasts with the open, chaotic nature of the streets where Hyde operates, emphasizing the difference between Jekyll's public persona and Hyde's unrestrained actions.

"The fog still slept upon the marshes" This description is indicative of the oppressive and secretive nature of the settings where Hyde commits his crimes. The fog itself acts as a veil, obscuring actions and obscuring the line between right and wrong.

Soho's Shadowy Alleys: The Lair of Mr. Hyde

Soho, with its notorious reputation for vice and hidden activities in Victorian times, becomes the symbolic setting for Hyde's reign of terror. The description of its narrow, dark alleys isn't just a setting detail; it's a reflection of Hyde's own nature. These hidden corners are where his violent acts are committed, reflecting the hidden, repressed nature of his evil self. Stevenson avoids explicit descriptions of these acts, allowing the reader to imagine the horrors concealed within these shadowy spaces. This absence of direct description only amplifies the sense of fear and unease.

"The street shone out in contrast to its dingy neighbourhood." This quote highlights the contrast between the relative safety and respectability of some areas and the treacherous, lawless corners where Hyde thrives. This constant contrast throughout the novel underscores the instability and underlying darkness that lurks beneath the veneer of Victorian society.

The depiction of Soho isn't merely atmospheric; it's integral to the plot. The streets themselves become active participants in the story, facilitating Hyde's anonymity and enabling his crimes. The very architecture of the city – the narrow lanes, the shadowed doorways – becomes a conspirator in Hyde's reign of terror.

The Significance of Jekyll's Laboratory and House

In contrast to the dark alleys of Soho, Dr. Jekyll's laboratory and house present a different kind of duality. While outwardly respectable, the laboratory harbors Jekyll's sinister experiment, symbolizing the hidden darkness lurking beneath a façade of respectability. The laboratory, a space of scientific endeavor, ironically becomes the site of a monstrous transformation, blurring the lines between science and monstrosity.

"The laboratory, it appeared, was a scene of considerable turmoil." This quote, though brief, suggests the chaos and instability that lie at the heart of Jekyll's scientific pursuit. The turmoil within the laboratory mirrors the internal conflict raging within Jekyll himself.

The house itself, while seemingly secure, ultimately fails to contain the monstrous Hyde, revealing that even physical barriers cannot fully restrain inner turmoil. The initial descriptions of the house as large, old, and shut in later come to represent the desperate attempts of Jekyll to keep his monstrous alter ego confined and the ultimate failure of such attempts.

The Use of Weather and Atmosphere

Stevenson's masterful use of weather reinforces the unsettling atmosphere. The fog, so prevalent throughout the novel, acts as both a physical and metaphorical obscurant. It hides Hyde's movements, shrouding his actions in mystery, and mirrors the hidden nature of evil and the deceptive façade of Victorian society.

"A fog rolled over London" This simple statement sets a tone of mystery and suspense. Fog is consistently used to obscure the details of Hyde's crimes, adding to their sinister impact. It is a visual representation of the moral ambiguity that pervades the story.

The darkness itself becomes a character, allowing Hyde to operate unseen and unleash his evil. The contrast between the bright, civilized areas and the dark, shadowy areas further emphasizes the underlying duality of the story and the city itself. Stevenson doesn’t just describe the weather; he uses it to evoke a mood, to create a sense of dread and anticipation that permeates the entire narrative.

The Psychological Impact of Setting

The descriptions of setting aren't merely aesthetic choices; they profoundly impact the psychological state of the characters and the reader. The oppressive atmosphere of the fog-laden streets, the claustrophobic feel of Jekyll's house, and the menacing narrowness of Soho's alleys all contribute to a sense of unease and suspense. This creates an environment that is not only visually descriptive, but psychologically impactful, enhancing the reader’s engagement with the narrative.

The unsettling atmosphere Stevenson creates is pivotal in creating a sense of horror and unease. The reader is not simply observing the events; they are experiencing them, and the settings play a crucial role in fostering that immersive experience. The use of setting is never merely descriptive; it is always functional, always contributing to the overall atmosphere and plot development.

Conclusion: London as a Character

In Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, London isn't merely a setting; it is a character in its own right. Stevenson masterfully employs the city's contrasting landscapes, its hidden alleyways, and its atmospheric conditions to mirror the internal conflict within Jekyll and amplify the themes of duality and the hidden darkness within Victorian society. The vivid descriptions, carefully chosen quotes, and evocative imagery work together to create a truly unforgettable and unsettling atmosphere. The careful interplay between setting, character, and plot elevates Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde beyond a mere gothic thriller into a profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of Victorian urban life. The enduring power of the novel lies not only in its compelling plot but in its masterful use of setting to evoke a sense of unease and to mirror the very duality at the heart of the story. The city itself becomes a reflection of the internal struggles of the characters, highlighting the hidden darkness lurking beneath the surface of respectability and order.