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Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Blog Post

Step 1) 2 selected Texts: Chapter 1 (Hyde)  &  Chapter 6 (Jekyll)

Appearance :  Mr. Hyde is a man that appears to be physically deformed and has an unpleasant face that is very easily recognizable. Enfield describes him as "downright detestable" and this is most likely what one would describe Hyde as. 

Speech : Stevenson used many literary techniques in this specific speech; including ambiguity and painted words (LOL Imagery). In terms of his carefully placed ambiguity, Enfield states that he cannot point out the source of his deformity and he is displeasing, but how? Also, the speech includes strongly descriptive words such as "deformity", "extraordinary", and "detestable" to analyze the physical appearance of Hyde. 

Actions : N/A

Thoughts/Feelings : Mr. Enfield feels as if Mr. Hyde is an unpleasant man who clearly has a point of unattraction, yet this feeling is not directly obvious to the eyesight. It is clear that Stevenson used this choice of language about Enfield's inner thoughts to be vague on purpose. Enfield is not able to directly state what is wrong with Mr. Hyde's physical appearance because at this point in the novel, the reader does not know about his transformations. Also, it is important to note that the author wants the reader to be curious and interested in this man, as he plays a very large role in the plot later on.

Other Character's Reactions : Upon hearing the description of Mr. Hyde, Utterson instantly becomes curious about this character. At the same time, he is disgusted at his description and cannot put the dots together yet.

Appearance : Dr. Jekyll's faced seemed opened and brighter, and he was physically excited to have company at the dinner party. Stevenson most likely painted this description of Jekyll because he was relieved, like his body had rid of any bad past experiences.

Speech : In this specific speech, it is evident that Stevenson used surprise and antithesis to describe Dr. Jekyll. For instance, Utterson's reaction to seeing his colleague become relieved is very shocking because his past behavior does not align with this. Also, a sense of antithesis is present in this text because Jekyll is completely opposite from the past weeks, and he does not appear to be lagging from his decline.

Actions : Dr. Jekyll was alive again, in the text it states, "He came out of his seclusion, renewed relations with his friends, became once more their familiar guest and entertainer; and whilst he had always been known for charities, he was now no less distinguished for religion". It is important to note that Stevenson had Dr. Jekyll use these actions as an expression of happiness or being relieved...

Thoughts/Feelings : Jekyll's feelings appear to be that of happiness and stress relieved because of his actions and appearance in the eyes of Utterson. Also, it is important to note that Utterson has a very good vibe about this 'new' Dr. Jekyll that resembles his once younger self.

Other Character's Reactions : Utterson is delighted with his newly refreshed colleague who seems to be happy and outgoing like his old self. Utterson is clearly very surprised by this new sense of happiness from Dr. Jekyll.

Step 2)    Poems

Dr. Jekyll --> 

I am Dr. Jekyll

I apply the best aspects of my personality 

I have many dark secrets 

I use Hyde to cave into my evil cravings

Many of my friends used to like me

My drug addicted lifestyle makes me crazy

I am a smart man, yet make bad decisions

Why has this happened to me?

Mr. Hyde --> 

I am Mr. Hyde

I apply the worst aspects of my personality 

I am the dark secret that cannot come clean

I submit my evil cravings in this life

I have no friends, only enemies

The people around me are not friends

I make 'great' decisions, harming people is fun

Why has this happened to me?

The purpose of this poem is to explain and uncover the personalities and inner thoughts of both Hyde and Jekyll. For instance, the poem talks about the personalities and why they act the way they do. Also, the inner thoughts are conveyed  in these poems because both characters explain how they feel about themselves. Also, it uncovers the dark side of them and why they feel their respective lifestyles play out the way they do in the novel. The effect of the poem is to leave a powerful message from the perspective of Hyde and Jekyll about their life. Both of them have secrets for different reasons.