Literary Elements

Figurative language is language that has meaning beyond the literal meaning. An example of a simile can be found in the last paragraph of page eight. The surrounding streets on the night of Mr. Utterson’s and Hyde’s meeting are “as clean as a ball-room floor”. The purpose of the simile is to compare the cleanliness of the streets to a floor of a ball-room. This means that the streets were pure and untouched. The clean streets help set the mood for the first meeting of Mr. Utterson and Hyde. For their first encounter, the streets are clean and quiet, representing the blank state of their relationship.

Elements of Historical Context

Middle-class people of the Victorian period lived in prosperity. A major part of their wealthy lifestyle involved spending money on lavish goods. Large houses, elaborate furniture, and fancy knickknacks served as displays of their wealth. Middle-class Victorians hired servants to assist them in throwing extravagant feasts. Members of the middle class enjoyed competing against each other in displaying their wealth and sophistication. In the novel, Dr. Jekyll possesses the characteristics of a wealthy middle-class Victorian. Dr. Jekyll is a very prosperous man who is well known for his charities. He has held two pleasant dinner parties so far in the novel that were attended by intelligent reputable men. The historical element is important because it helps the reader understand that the wealthy lifestyle of Dr. Jekyll was normal and not out of the ordinary.

Elements of Relationships

Mr. Richard Enfield and Mr. Utterson share a relationship that confuses many because they have little in common. Mr. Enfield is Mr. Utterson’s distant kinsman. They routinely take Sunday walks without ever making conversation with one another. Those who encounter Mr. Enfield and Mr. Utterson take note of their dull faces. However, these Sunday walks serve as the zenith of each week, bringing the two friends the utmost joy. They often have to cancel plans in order to take pleasure in the walks. The significance of their relationship is that it helps distinguish Mr. Utterson’s character. His relationship with Mr. Enfield serves as proof of his undemonstrative nature. The purpose in relation to the plot is the discovery of Dr. Jekyll’s laboratory. Other importance is that the discovery of the lab on their walk sparks Mr. Utterson’s interest in finding the identity of Hyde.

Literary Elements

A symbol is a literary element that represents something beyond itself. The building Mr. Enfield and Mr. Utterson come across in the second paragraph of page two is an example of a symbol. It symbolizes mystery and the unknown. The two story tall building contained only a door and absolutely no windows. There were obvious signs that it had been neglected for an extended period of time. The purpose of the building is that it prompts Mr. Enfield to recall his strange connection to the building. His story of Hyde begins Mr. Utterson’s journey of finding out Dr. Jekyll’s relationship with Hyde. The meaning of the building symbolizes the beginning of Mr. Utterson’s investigation.

Chapter 23: The Final Walk

Victor and I enjoyed the lovely waters, woods, and mountains on our first walk as husband and wife. It was around eight o’clock when the wind suddenly grew stronger and a heavy rain storm fell from the sky. The storm intensified my worries for Victor. I had observed his agitation for some time now in silence. I could tell he was not fully enjoying the evening. It seemed as though Victor felt something was following us. He was cautious and watchful throughout our walk. I observed in Victor’s glance a terror. I was almost afraid to ask him about his fear. My voice trembled as I asked my husband what it was that he was afraid of. His words were, “This night is dreadful, very dreadful.” It was then requested by Victor that I retire from our walk. I left him and went into my room to retire for the night. I was only in my room for a short moment when I heard a noise behind me. It didn’t sound like Victor, so I was hesitant to look behind me. On the ground I saw a shadow. Its shape was much bigger than that of Victor. I turned my head around slowly to lay eyes upon the ugliest thing ever to be created. I let out a shrill and dreadful scream. The monster rushed to me and laid its hands on my neck…

Chapter 22: The Secret

I received a reply to my letter from Victor. He wrote that on this earth there remains little happiness. However, he said that all that he may enjoy is centered in me. Victor explained that I shouldn’t bear any fears because he loves me. He mentioned a secret that he is keeping from me. I would be chilled with horror upon hearing the secret, he says. Then I will wonder how he survived what he has endured. But he will wait to reveal this secret until the day after our wedding. Victor said I should not mention this tale of misery and terror until then. He thinks there should be perfect confidence between us on our wedding day and the secret would disturb that perfect that confidence. He returned shortly upon the receiving of my letter. I welcomed him with warm affection. Tears traveled down my face expressing my happiness to have him back home. Victor said that he saw a change in me. He noticed that I was thinner and lost some of my charm. But I still possessed gentleness and soft looks that he loves. I noticed a change in him as well. Victor was frequently possessed with fits of fury and rage since his return. Only I could soothe him with my gentle voice as I wept with him and for him. His fits didn't bother me because I only cared that he was back in my arms.

Chapter 22: The Letter

I wrote a letter to Victor expressing my anticipation of his return. It would only be a few more days before I would be able to see his face in such a long time. I told him that I expected him to come back looking more miserable than when he had left Geneva. I feared that this would happen, which is the reason why I did not him to depart in the first place. We each had suffered away from each, making this winter the most miserable of all. In the letter I expressed to Victor what I never had the courage to tell him in person. Ever since we were little, we were told that our union would take place and that we should look forward to that day. However a brother and sister can sometimes love each other without the need for a union. Therefore I had to ask Victor whether he loved another. I had confessed my love to him, but it is happiness that I desire the most. Our marriage would bring me misery if it were not his choice. I only want to marry Victor if he wants to marry me as well. I hope my letter didn’t disturb Victor. I told him he did not have to answer right away if he felt uncomfortable in doing so. I hope that when we meet there will be a smile on his face. If so, I will be the happiest woman in the world.