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.

Chapter 21: Seeking Fatility

Father received a letter concerning the welfare of Victor. The letter was written by Mr. Kirwin, a town magistrate. Mr. Kirwin sent us an account of Victor’s misfortune and illness. We discovered that Victor was currently sitting in a prison cell and was extremely sick. He was found guilty of a murder. The murder he is accused of is none other than his companion Henry Clerval. After reading the letter, we were all in disbelief. I couldn’t believe that Victor was labeled a murderer. What I found even more shocking than that was who he was accused of killing. I would have never consider it even a possibility for Victor to take the life of his best friend. This has to be a misunderstanding. I have lost William, Justine, and now Henry. I am beginning to think that our family is cursed. Victor is suffering from a fate like that of Justine. I believe that he has been wrongly accused of something he did not do. Father must go to Geneva to visit him and get him out of that prison cell. I must lose Victor as well. Victor must be proven innocent. I cannot witness Victor undergo the same circumstances as Justine. He left us to seek happiness, but it seems that fatality is the only thing that he stumbles upon.

Chapter 18: A Pre-Marriage Journey

Alphonse suggested to Victor that he marry me as soon as possible. He figured a wedding celebration would lift the cast of gloom over Victor. However, Victor turned down his offer. He expressed a desire to pay a visit to England first. Alphonse approved his journey, hoping that he will return a restored Victor. I held a conversation with Alphonse discussing a companion that could accompany Victor. We arranged for Henry Clerval to join him at Strasburgh. Victor said that he would marry me immediately upon his return from his trip. It is then when we will be united. The end of September marked the occasion for Victor to depart for his journey, leaving us once again. He didn’t have to go, but it was his idea to travel to England. My farewell to him was tearful yet silent. There were a thousand emotions rendering throughout me. I didn’t want him to leave because I didn’t want Victor to have to suffer away from me. I provided him a companion, but I have a feeling he will still live in misery. He will want the care and attention of a woman. Maybe when he begins to yearn for a woman's affection he will hurry home so that we can finally be together. I will miss Victor terribly and look forward to his return.

Chapter 18: The Time is Right

I can remember like it was yesterday. Madame Frankenstein was lying ill in her death bed. But before she departed from us, she had one last wish. She wanted Victor and me to get married one day. Marriage was the last thing I could think about at that time. Now that there has been a distance of time since her passing, I feel that it is the occasion has arrived for us to fulfill her wish. Mrs. Frankenstein’s wish makes absolute sense. Victor and I have shared a close relationship since our earliest childhood. We grew up together and studied together. We have similar personalities, sharing similar tastes. I love Victor with all of my heart and would like to spend the rest of life with him. Right now is the perfect time for Victor and me to wed. I know that is what Mrs. Frankenstein would have wanted. She would have wanted us to celebrate in marriage to take our minds off the passing of William and Justine for awhile. A wedding could bring a brief feeling of joy to our saddened lives. I feel that our family deserves some happiness after all that we have been through. We all deserve to smile again. I know a wedding for Victor and me would bring a smile upon Mrs. Frankenstein's face.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Chapter 18: The Misery of Victor

I have been paying attention to Victor's mood for the past couple of days. He has been extremely miserable and depressed upon his return. Out of all of the family members, Victor shows the most suffering and misery. I feel that he carries more weight from the passings than I do. He feels anguish towards two different events: William's death and Justine's death. I find that the second death has made a deeper cut inside of him than the first death. He believed in Justine’s innocence more than anyone else, even more than I did. The loss of not one, but two of his family members have caused him to enter a state of deep depression. I think he feels partly responsible for the losses. His absence during William’s murder has caused him to blame himself. Maybe if he had come home sooner and was present with the family during the dreadful evening, he could have somehow prevented William's unexpected fate. I think being away from the family for so long has added additional pain with him. He had ignored us for so long, blocking us entirely out of his life. Then when he finally decided to return home, it was no longer the same family that he had left before college - we were one person short. Not long upon his return did we lose another important person. I think being absent for so long and experiencing two losses upon his return has placed misery upon Victor that no one can truly understand.

Chapter 16: Sleeping Murderer

After Justine’s execution, I have been thinking about possible explanations for William’s murder. I will continue to believe in her innocence until the day I die. If she didn’t murder William, then who did? I can’t conjecture any enemies of either William or the family. I do not recall William sharing a conflict with anyone for the reason that he was far too young. Then I remembered a valuable piece of information, the picture of Madame Frankenstein. How did it end up in Justine’s possession? Perhaps the murderer took the picture from William and placed it in her pocket. Yes! I clearly recall Justine sleeping in the barn on some straw on the same evening of William’s murder. After the murderer took William's life, he must have placed the picture in her pocket without her knowing a thing. In her sleep, the murderer passed the burden of the crime on to Justine. If only she had opened her eyes to catch a glimpse of the killer. A short glimpse of the killer could have been extremely helpful in court. Identifying the killer could have proved her innocence and saved her life. It could have saved the family from a second loss. Knowing that the murderer was able to escape unseen brings pain and anger to my heart.

Elizabeth Lavenza

Chapter 8 R.I.P. Justine

I received permission to address to the court at Justine's trial. I spoke of our close relationship with one another and described her amiable and benevolent character. I explained how Justine nursed Madame Frankenstein during her days of illness. She nursed her own mother with care and affection at her time of sickness as well. Her compassion was a major part of her that was admired by many. Justine and William shared a close bond. She was like a mother to William; she loved him and cared for him deeply. She would never do anything to hurt him. Accusing her of the murder is absolute nonsense. There was motive whatsoever that would cause her to take the life of the boy. I declared to the court that I believe without a doubt in Justine's innocence although there is evidence against her. I witnessed tears coming from where she was sitting after my appeal. I demanded the result of the court from Victor. He said that Justine had confessed to the murder. I could not believe my ears! This whole time I was defending her because I believed in her innocence. Anger rushed through my veins as I could not imagine her being capable of such a horrific task. Victor said Justine wanted to see me. Father didn’t want me to go, but I decided to go and took Victor along with me. I expressed my feelings of betrayal to Justine. I felt like a complete fool for defending her in court. How could she take the life of innocent William? I told her how her wickedness disgustingly sickened me. But I was entirely wrong. In truth, Justine had confessed a lie. But why? She lied about her guilt to free her of her misery. I immediately asked for her forgiveness. I was so embarrassed that I had ever questioned her innocence for a single moment. Justine was not afraid to die. I weeped and told her that I wish I could die with her so that we could both escape this misery. I said my farewell to Justine. I knew she would go to a better place. Justine and William will see each other again in Heaven.

Chapter 7: It is my fault!

When William went missing the other evening, I thought he went back to the house. When he wasn't there, I began to panic. I remember holding torches and searching for any sign of William throughout the night. Father had a look of anguish on his face the next morning when he told me to not go into the room. I knew that he was he was trying to hide something in that room. Upon entering, I immediately fainted at the sight of the boy's corpse. William has been murdered and it’s my entire fault! He had begged me earlier that same night for mother’s picture. It was this picture that had attracted the murderer. Words cannot describe the amount of guilt that overpowered me. Mother's picture will now forever haunt me. Picturing it now makes my heart drop and my stomach twist and turn. I couldn’t stop myself from weeping knowing that I am to blame for the death of young and innocent William. Tears raced down my face for several days. I was in a state of deep depression and anguish. My poor cousin Justine is accused of William’s murder because the picture was found in her possession. But I know for a fact that she is innocent. Victor, too, believes in Justine's innocence. Thank goodness for his return. He is perhaps the only person in this world who could provide comfort to my suffering. Victor's presence fills me with hope during this time of unhappiness and misfortune brought upon us.

Elizabeth Lavenza