Allusions and Perspectives in 'Cain's Heresy'

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Questions and Answers

What point of view is employed in the first paragraph of Chapter 1?

Third-person limited perspective (correct)

Second-person perspective

First-person perspective

Third-person omniscient perspective

Which character’s point of view is represented in Chapter 9?

Mr. Hyde

Dr. Lanyon (correct)

Dr. Jekyll

Mr. Enfield

What does the switch in points of view in the last chapters indicate?

A transition from action to dialogue

An emphasis on secondary characters

A shift from humor to drama

A focus on confession rather than narrative (correct)

What aspect of Victorian London does the text highlight?

The wealth gap between the rich and the poor. Signup and view all the answers

In what way does Mr. Utterson's character contribute to the story?

He represents the morals of high society. Signup and view all the answers

What does the use of first-person point of view reveal when it is used?

Direct insight into the character's thoughts and feelings. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant social issue highlighted in Victorian London?

Class disparity and poverty Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best captures the atmosphere of the impoverished areas of London?

They were marked by crime and despair. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Stevenson likely choose to depict Dr. Jekyll's story primarily through Mr. Utterson's perspective?

To enhance the mystery surrounding Dr. Jekyll. Signup and view all the answers

What imagery does Stevenson use to describe the area where Mr. Hyde lives?

A dismal quarter filled with darkness and despair. Signup and view all the answers

What emotions does the setting evoke in Mr. Utterson as he travels through Hyde's neighborhood?

Foreboding and unease. Signup and view all the answers

How does the description of Mr. Utterson reflect his character?

He is shown to be complex with conflicting traits. Signup and view all the answers

What thematic element does Stevenson's depiction of the fog in Hyde's neighborhood highlight?

The obscurity and concealment of true nature. Signup and view all the answers

Why might Stevenson emphasize the destitute communities in Victorian London?

To critique social injustices and moral decay. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'blackguardly surroundings' suggest about Hyde's environment?

It is associated with corruption and moral decline. Signup and view all the answers

What does the character of Mr. Utterson reveal about the nature of round characters?

They exhibit various motivations and behaviors. Signup and view all the answers

Which detail portrays the atmosphere in Soho as unsettling?

The fog lifting momentarily to reveal discomforting scenes. Signup and view all the answers

What signifies the transformation in Dr. Jekyll's character throughout the chapters?

The oscillation between his good and evil sides. Signup and view all the answers

What is an allusion?

A passing reference to history or literature Signup and view all the answers

In Stevenson's narrative, what is the heresy that Utterson references?

Allowing one's loved ones to suffer without intervention Signup and view all the answers

What philosophical question does Stevenson raise through Utterson's viewpoint?

Is it beneficial to confront others about their mistakes? Signup and view all the answers

What point of view is primarily used by Stevenson in the storytelling?

Third-person limited, focusing on Utterson’s inner thoughts Signup and view all the answers

What does Utterson’s role suggest about his influence on others?

He serves as a moral compass for those spiraling downward Signup and view all the answers

What is the potential consequence of telling the hard truth to someone in trouble, as discussed in the narrative?

It could result in alienation from the person Signup and view all the answers

Which biblical story does Dr. Jekyll allude to in Chapter 10?

The writing on the wall during King Belshazzar's feast Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Allusions in "Cain's Heresy"

An allusion is a passing reference to history or literature.
In The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson uses a biblical allusion to Cain and Abel.
Cain's "heresy" is defined as neglecting the well-being of loved ones, refusing to be a "keeper" to them.

Point of View

The story is primarily told from a third-person limited point of view, focusing on Utterson's thoughts and feelings.
Some sections shift to first-person, such as from Enfield's perspective or from Jekyll's confession.
This shift in perspective enhances the narrative.

Victorian London Setting

Victorian London was changing from a troubled past to growing wealth and prosperity.
Wealthy Londoners enjoyed culture, parties, and high society, contrasting with the poor and impoverished communities in the slums.
London's poor faced harsh living conditions, including homelessness, rising slums, and sanitation problems which led to widespread disease.
Poverty was substantial, with large populations of Irish immigrants, Jewish refugees, and others from oppressed Eastern European countries seeking opportunity.
Crime flourished in the face of police corruption, with neighborhoods like Whitechapel affected by prostitution and the notorious Jack the Ripper.

Characterization

Stevenson uses setting to showcase character.
Mr. Hyde's residence in a foggy, dismal district foreshadows his darkness and tendency for hiding the truth.
The description of the Soho district provides a sense of foreboding to both the characters and the reader.
Mr. Utterson is a complex, or round, character showing contradictions in his personality.

Round and Flat Characters

Round characters have complex personalities, with varied motivations and values.
Flat characters have simple, one-note personalities.
Mr. Hyde is a flat character, portrayed as cruel and lacking complexity.
Mr. Utterson is a round character, demonstrated by his conflicting motivations towards Jekyll.

The Story's Crisis

The crisis in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is the turning point in Chapter 8.
At the turning point, characters come together to face the threat.
The rising actions—including Lanyon's death, the murder of Sir Danvers Carew, and the window incident—culminate in the crisis/turning point of Jekyll and Hyde.
The finding of Hyde's dead body signifies that the main antagonist is defeated.

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Description

Explore the literary allusions and narrative techniques in 'Cain's Heresy'. This quiz delves into the biblical references, the shifting point of view, and the historical context of Victorian London. Test your understanding of these themes and their significance in the story.