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Why is religion important in Jekyll and Hyde?
Religion was central to Victorian society, so biblical references would be universally understood and add moral weight. (Throughout)
How does religion contrast with immoral events in the novella?
Religious symbolism highlights the horror and immorality of Hyde’s actions by juxtaposing sacred imagery with violence. (Throughout)
What is the effect of describing Hyde as ‘really like Satan’?
It aligns Hyde with ultimate evil, reinforcing Victorian fears of moral corruption. (Chapter 1)
What does ‘if ever I read Satan’s signature upon a face’ suggest?
Hyde’s evil is so visible it appears divinely marked, intensifying his demonic portrayal. (Chapter 2)
What does ‘Cain’s heresy’ refer to?
Utterson jokes he follows Cain’s example of letting others go their own way, referencing the biblical story of Cain and Abel. (Chapter 1)
How does the Cain and Abel reference link to duality?
The brothers symbolise good vs evil, mirroring Jekyll and Hyde’s divided nature. (Chapter 1)
What does the Cain allusion imply about human nature?
Evil is intrinsic and inherited; Jekyll cannot fully escape his darker impulses. (Chapter 1)
What does Jekyll mean by ‘law of life’?
Alliteration emphasises his philosophical questioning of existence; ‘law’ suggests human justice vs divine order. (Chapter 10)
How does Jekyll’s reflection on the ‘law of life’ show conflict?
He sees society and God as being at odds, hinting he has overstepped moral boundaries. (Chapter 10)
How might a Victorian reader view Jekyll’s actions?
They may believe he is punished for meddling with God’s domain by creating Hyde. (Throughout)
How do religious allusions reinforce the theme of science vs religion?
They remind the reader of moral boundaries and highlight tension between scientific experimentation and divine authority. (Throughout)
How does Stevenson use biblical imagery to shape meaning?
References to Satan and Cain frame Hyde as morally corrupt and Jekyll as spiritually conflicted. (Throughout)
