Jekyll vs Hyde
Part 1:
In chapter 3, Dr. Jekyll is presented as a man of good character who cares about others beyond himself. From Mr. Utterson's point of view, he is one who "had every mark of capacity for kindness," meaning that it was simply evident from his physical features that Dr. Jekyll was a man of sincerity. Also, by addressing Utterson as "my poor Utterson" in regards to his will, one can see the empathy Jekyll has for his friend, as he wishes that his companion did not have to stress over such a matter. The manner in which Dr. Jekyll speaks also seems to have a calming presence on those around him. By presenting himself to others in a comfortable manner, others (in this case Mr. Utterson) seem to respond in a similar. I would imagine talking to Dr. Jekyll to be somewhat similar to talking to a grandparent, where their reflective and kind tone of voice results in children talking to them in a kinder and more gentle way than they then do to their parents.
In contrast, Mr. Hyde is presented as a pessimistic hermit in chapter 3 who does not care about others. First, by shrinking "back with a hissing intake of breath" when Mr. Utters touches him on the shoulder, it is apparent that Hyde neither comes into contact then with other nor enjoys interacting with others in any physical or spoken way (if it is not for his own good). This is also evident in Hyde's short tone of voice, as he straight-forward and to the point, but also in his actions, as he quickly unlocks his door and disappears from the scene, not wanting to talk to Utterson any further. Hyde's other actions, such as defiantly showing his face to Utterson and "snarling aloud into a savage laugh" shows how Hyde is inconsiderate of the few he interacts with, creating a stark contrast between him and warm, caring Dr. Jekyll. Finally, Mr. Hyde's uninviting nature causes Mr. Utterson to be short and somewhat ambiguous in his dialogue with Hyde, which is unlike how Utterson spoke calmly and thoughtfully with Dr. Jekyll.
Part 2:
Jekyll Hyde
I am Dr. Jekyll
And I am Mr. Hyde
Mr. Utterson adores me
Mr. Utterson is disgusted by me
I enjoy the company of others
I try to go unnoticed
I help my fellow men of Soho during the day
I steal and cheat them at night
Yet I am not who they think I am Yet I am not who they think I am
I might appear as warm and inclusive
Or cold and snark
A model citizen
An outcast
But I am all the same But I am all the same
So different
So contrasting
Yet together Yet together
I am Dr. Jekyll I am Dr. Jekyll
And I am Mr. Hyde And I am Mr. Hyde
In chapter 3, Dr. Jekyll is presented as a man of good character who cares about others beyond himself. From Mr. Utterson's point of view, he is one who "had every mark of capacity for kindness," meaning that it was simply evident from his physical features that Dr. Jekyll was a man of sincerity. Also, by addressing Utterson as "my poor Utterson" in regards to his will, one can see the empathy Jekyll has for his friend, as he wishes that his companion did not have to stress over such a matter. The manner in which Dr. Jekyll speaks also seems to have a calming presence on those around him. By presenting himself to others in a comfortable manner, others (in this case Mr. Utterson) seem to respond in a similar. I would imagine talking to Dr. Jekyll to be somewhat similar to talking to a grandparent, where their reflective and kind tone of voice results in children talking to them in a kinder and more gentle way than they then do to their parents.
In contrast, Mr. Hyde is presented as a pessimistic hermit in chapter 3 who does not care about others. First, by shrinking "back with a hissing intake of breath" when Mr. Utters touches him on the shoulder, it is apparent that Hyde neither comes into contact then with other nor enjoys interacting with others in any physical or spoken way (if it is not for his own good). This is also evident in Hyde's short tone of voice, as he straight-forward and to the point, but also in his actions, as he quickly unlocks his door and disappears from the scene, not wanting to talk to Utterson any further. Hyde's other actions, such as defiantly showing his face to Utterson and "snarling aloud into a savage laugh" shows how Hyde is inconsiderate of the few he interacts with, creating a stark contrast between him and warm, caring Dr. Jekyll. Finally, Mr. Hyde's uninviting nature causes Mr. Utterson to be short and somewhat ambiguous in his dialogue with Hyde, which is unlike how Utterson spoke calmly and thoughtfully with Dr. Jekyll.
Part 2:
Jekyll Hyde
I am Dr. Jekyll
And I am Mr. Hyde
Mr. Utterson adores me
Mr. Utterson is disgusted by me
I enjoy the company of others
I try to go unnoticed
I help my fellow men of Soho during the day
I steal and cheat them at night
Yet I am not who they think I am Yet I am not who they think I am
I might appear as warm and inclusive
Or cold and snark
A model citizen
An outcast
But I am all the same But I am all the same
So different
So contrasting
Yet together Yet together
I am Dr. Jekyll I am Dr. Jekyll
And I am Mr. Hyde And I am Mr. Hyde
I really like how you compared talking with Jekyll to talking with a grandparent; it furthers your analysis and makes your point very clear. I also found your poem interesting. Most poems I have read so far start off with Jekyll and Hyde saying something about themselves, but yours starts with Mr. Utterson’s perception of each character. This juxtaposed to Jekyll’s and Hyde’s perceptions of themselves emphasizes the duality present in the story, not only the duality between Jekyll and Hyde but also the duality of outer perceptions and inner perceptions. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteI really like your poem. A lot of the poems I've seen and I wrote were about Jekyll and Hyde going against each other and showing the power struggle but I like your poem because it shows how they both recognize that they are one in the same in the last three lines and they must accept that despite their differences.
ReplyDeleteYour postings presents a specific viewpoint that is substantiated by supporting examples and your poem was well-written to stimulate dialogue and commentary. Great job incorporating textual evidence, but also providing significant analysis. I look forward to seeing how you continue to grow as a writer!
ReplyDelete