Questions and Answers
What does Jekyll mean by dividing his nature more than most people do?
He refers to the separation of good and evil aspects of his character, which he believes is unnatural.
What literary device does Jekyll use in the phrase 'seemingly so solid body'?
Hyde is described as entirely separate from Jekyll.
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What does Jekyll refer to with 'like the Babylonian finger on the wall'?
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What action does Jekyll take with the key to prevent turning into Hyde?
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What does 'thrall to the gallows' imply about Hyde?
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How does Jekyll describe his state under the influence of the potion?
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What imagery does Jekyll use to describe Hyde's emergence?
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Study Notes
Dr. Jekyll's Understanding of Human Nature
- Jekyll acknowledges a deep division within himself regarding good and evil, suggesting this separation is more profound than in most people.
- He likens the separation to a geographical metaphor, emphasizing the vastness of the "trench" between good and evil, illustrating that both elements are essential in shaping human identity.
Physicality and Identity
- The phrase "seemingly so solid body" highlights Jekyll's struggle with his physical form, drawing parallels to Hamlet's wish for his flesh to disappear.
- This allusion suggests a shared desire to escape the burdens of physical existence, which Jekyll ultimately achieves through his transformations.
The Nature of Evil
- Jekyll's portrayal of Hyde as "pure evil" signifies his belief that evil exists independently within him after he separates it from his identity.
- This separation reflects the idea that while humans possess both good and evil, no one can be entirely good, as goodness is inherently defined by the resistance to evil.
Inevitability of Consequence
- Jekyll references the biblical "Babylonian finger on the wall" as a premonition of his double life ending, indicating a fear of impending doom from his actions.
- This metaphor serves as a warning about the fragility of his carefully maintained dual existence.
Transformation Constraints
- The act of "grinding the key under my heel" symbolizes Jekyll's attempt to relinquish control over his transformations into Hyde after realizing the danger posed by his alter ego.
- The key's eventual discovery, crushed and rusty, reflects the permanence of his decision to halt these transformations but also foreshadows his loss of control.
Fear of Punishment
- Jekyll describes Hyde as "thrall to the gallows", indicating that if caught, Hyde would face execution, highlighting the moral consequences of Jekyll's actions.
Addictive Behavior and Desperation
- Jekyll's increasing need for larger doses of the potion illustrates his growing dependence on it, mirroring concepts of addiction.
- His description as "a creature eaten up and emptied by fever" captures the toll of his internal struggle, pointing to themes of addiction that may parallel Stevenson's own experiences with drugs.
Inner Conflict and Imagery
- Jekyll depicts Hyde as a "brute" that is "caged" within him, emphasizing the volatile nature of his alter ego and the imagery of a dangerous animal waiting to escape.
- This metaphor conveys the intensity of his internal conflict, where Hyde's primal nature becomes active through the potion, leading to a desperate need to manage his darker self.
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Description
Explore Chapter 10 of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' through interactive flashcards. This chapter focuses on Henry Jekyll's profound reflections on his dual nature and the struggle between good and evil within himself. Enhance your understanding of the text and its themes with these insightful cards.
