Henry Jekyll`s Full Statement of the Case – Notes
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Transcript Henry Jekyll`s Full Statement of the Case – Notes
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr
Hyde
Henry Jekyll’s Full Statement of
the Case
Summary Notes
Jekyll begins with constant references to the mask that all
men wear.
J refers to the duality in all men.
J desires to split the dual personalities.
J fails to see the hypocrisy in himself and his work.
J put aside personal danger as he was gripped by the same
greed for knowledge as Lanyon.
J took delight in the freedom that Hyde offered him – the
freedom from moral obligations and a conscience.
Summary Notes
Hyde’s stature is linked back to the theory of under-
evolution – Jekyll believes as it was the smaller part of his
personality it had not the opportunity to grow.
The repulsion of Hyde stems from his lack of good – he is
the only single in a world of duality.
H was an outlet for J’s sinful side – he sated J’s
temptations.
Acts which in the hands of normal man were “undignified”
were escalated to “monstrous” in the hands of H.
H allowed J to live vicariously with no repercussions.
Summary Notes
The mask motif reappears as H is the mask that J could put
on the sin in safety.
We again see the irony that J thinks he is in control.
H is a concerned only with himself, he is a “ man of stone” –
self preservation and no heart or soul.
H gains in strength around the time of the murder of Sir
Danvers.
J losing control of H transformation.
H gaining more strength with more regular appearances.
Summary Notes
Jekyll begins the debate of his destiny – Hyde or Jekyll.
J chooses himself but cannot hold off from temptation.
The longer H was caged the more furious his rage when he
was unleashed.
J gives in to his temptations as H gains more control.
H’s first appearance in daytime was when he finally gained
control over J.
H again linked to animals – the under-evolved.
Face of J is now the mask, not that of H.
Summary Notes
Self preserving nature of H means J had to take his own life
to take that of H.
Fact that H was the body found shows he is `home base`,
not J.