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Why is secrecy important in the novella?
Victorian society valued reputation, so characters hide the truth to avoid social ruin, creating tension. (Throughout)
How does Stevenson create a climate of secrecy?
Characters fear exposure: ‘a man’s secrets could be used to ruin him’, heightening suspense. (Context)
What does Enfield mean by ‘make his name stink from one end of London to the other’?
Olfactory imagery shows how reputation can be destroyed instantly; Hyde threatens Jekyll’s social standing. (Chapter 1)
How does the threat of exposure shape the plot?
Enfield’s threat to expose Hyde forces Jekyll to protect his secret, increasing narrative tension. (Chapter 1)
What does ‘I feel very strongly about putting questions’ reveal?
The metaphor compares asking questions to triggering judgement day, showing fear of uncovering secrets. (Chapter 1)
What is the effect of ‘you start a question, and it’s like starting a stone’?
The simile suggests gossip spreads uncontrollably, destroying reputations. (Chapter 1)
What does ‘Dr Jekyll grew pale… and there came a blackness about his eyes’ show?
Colour imagery and antithesis reveal his fear of exposure and the corrupting effect of secrecy. (Chapter 3)
How does Utterson interpret Jekyll’s secrecy?
He fears Hyde is blackmailing Jekyll, showing how secrets imply moral corruption. (Chapter 2)
What does ‘stealing like a thief to Harry’s bedside’ suggest?
The metaphor implies Hyde’s intrusion is criminal and dangerous, reinforcing the need for secrecy. (Chapter 2)
What does Jekyll mean by ‘I was thinking of my own character’?
He prioritises reputation over morality, showing how deeply he fears social disgrace. (Chapter 5)
What does Jekyll mean by ‘this hateful business’?
The vague phrase heightens mystery and conceals the truth, increasing reader curiosity. (Chapter 5)
What does ‘I have lost confidence in myself’ reveal?
Jekyll’s despair shows he can no longer maintain his façade, signalling collapse of reputation. (Chapter 7)
What does ‘He had his death-warrant written legibly upon his face’ suggest?
Repetition of ‘h’ and ‘w’ emphasises Lanyon’s suffering after learning Jekyll’s secret. (Chapter 6)
How does secrecy shape the narrative structure?
The reader discovers events alongside Utterson, so the final revelation shocks both simultaneously. (Throughout)
How does Stevenson use secrecy to manipulate the reader?
Withheld information and delayed revelations maintain suspense and mystery. (Throughout)
