Boy I Wish I Saved My Freebie
The title says it all folks. However, I didn't, and my grade can't take any laziness, so here we go.
STEP 1)
Mr. Hyde: “He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why.”
Dr. Jekyll: “A large, well-made, smooth-faces man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness- you could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection.”
The above except describing Mr. Hyde is spoken by Mr. Enfield in the very first chapter of the novella, and marks the first time Hyde’s description has been attached to his name. It is extraordinarily appropriate, and accurately sets the tone used to describe Hyde for the rest of the story. Not once is Hyde’s being attached to any positive qualities by others, with the exception of Dr. Jekyll (but we all know why THAT was…). Throughout the novella, Hyde is constantly referred to as though he is some kind of monster, and every conversation or speech regarding him is negative. Everyone who looks at him has a strange unpleasant feeling that they can’t quite put their finger on, much like the dislike first noted by Mr. Enfield. I am completely sure that all those who encountered Hyde would agree that his appearance was “detestable”. While this particular quote does not describe any of Mr. Hyde’s actions, it comes right after a story told by Mr. Enfield, in which he crudely pushes a child to the ground and continues on his walk. Through this first excerpt, we are introduced to Mr. Hyde and his unpleasant appearance, as well as the general discomfort that others feel regarding him his appearance.
When we first get to meet Dr. Jekyll, he is introduced to us as nearly a complete opposite of Mr. Hyde (as can be seen in the above quote). He has a warm, grandfatherly feel to him, and is well-liked by everyone he comes in contact with. Mr. Utterson has been his friend for years, and has a great respect for him, and it is evident that he feels the same affection for Mr. Utterson. However, while Mr. Hyde’s descriptions stay constant throughout the novel, those of Dr. Jekyll change frequently due to his little… problem. Even shortly after this description, his mannerisms quickly change, his tone becoming stiff and his eyes black at the mere mention of Mr. Hyde. In fact, Jekyll’s condition seems to be going steadily downhill throughout the novella, experiencing only a short-lived spike before plunging back into the abyss. The idea developed in this part of the story is essentially that Dr. Jekyll is the “good guy”, which will lead to a serious conflict later, when he slowly begins to turn into the enemy.
STEP 1)
Mr. Hyde: “He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why.”
Dr. Jekyll: “A large, well-made, smooth-faces man of fifty, with something of a slyish cast perhaps, but every mark of capacity and kindness- you could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection.”
The above except describing Mr. Hyde is spoken by Mr. Enfield in the very first chapter of the novella, and marks the first time Hyde’s description has been attached to his name. It is extraordinarily appropriate, and accurately sets the tone used to describe Hyde for the rest of the story. Not once is Hyde’s being attached to any positive qualities by others, with the exception of Dr. Jekyll (but we all know why THAT was…). Throughout the novella, Hyde is constantly referred to as though he is some kind of monster, and every conversation or speech regarding him is negative. Everyone who looks at him has a strange unpleasant feeling that they can’t quite put their finger on, much like the dislike first noted by Mr. Enfield. I am completely sure that all those who encountered Hyde would agree that his appearance was “detestable”. While this particular quote does not describe any of Mr. Hyde’s actions, it comes right after a story told by Mr. Enfield, in which he crudely pushes a child to the ground and continues on his walk. Through this first excerpt, we are introduced to Mr. Hyde and his unpleasant appearance, as well as the general discomfort that others feel regarding him his appearance.
When we first get to meet Dr. Jekyll, he is introduced to us as nearly a complete opposite of Mr. Hyde (as can be seen in the above quote). He has a warm, grandfatherly feel to him, and is well-liked by everyone he comes in contact with. Mr. Utterson has been his friend for years, and has a great respect for him, and it is evident that he feels the same affection for Mr. Utterson. However, while Mr. Hyde’s descriptions stay constant throughout the novel, those of Dr. Jekyll change frequently due to his little… problem. Even shortly after this description, his mannerisms quickly change, his tone becoming stiff and his eyes black at the mere mention of Mr. Hyde. In fact, Jekyll’s condition seems to be going steadily downhill throughout the novella, experiencing only a short-lived spike before plunging back into the abyss. The idea developed in this part of the story is essentially that Dr. Jekyll is the “good guy”, which will lead to a serious conflict later, when he slowly begins to turn into the enemy.
Pictured: A grandfatherly vibe
STEP 2)
The poem I have written is meant to be spoken by Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. The version of Dr. Jekyll meant to be speaking is the one who is as normal as possible (much like the Jekyll before the incident), but still aware of and disgusted by Hyde and his actions. This poem takes place shortly after the murder of Mr. Carew. I have written this poem in order to demonstrate the striking similarities between the two personalities, although they may seem very different. By reading this poem, I hope the audience will understand how the two personalities belong to the same individual (as everyone has good and evil in them), despite their evident differences.
Please click the following link to view my poem, as I cannot format it properly in Blogger :)
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1X7Ne4GzcXY2BAynINlsrFEODNVzZY5Tuaz0h-l97TAw/edit?usp=sharing
Lily!
ReplyDeleteGreat analyses between Jekyll and Hyde. I really liked how you described the development of Jekyll's characterization as the novella progresses, and his mysterious (yet painfully obvious) link to Mr. Hyde. One thing that would've been cool is if you pointed out the similarity in each character's voices by analyzing another quote regarding Jekyll (for example: when he lowkey threatened Utterson to drop his grievances about the will. That was kinda Hyde-y). That way, you can comment on the similar tone each quote embodies. I LOVED the grandfatherly vibe, and your poem? Ernest Hemingway could never!! No lie though, it was really well written and engaging; I could feel the tension between each personality, and the imagery was pretty strong, too. Great work!
Oh wait nevermind, you did include what I suggested. Disregard that comment! I was just looking for a delta woops.
Delete**excerpt
ReplyDeletecmon lily, you're better than this.
Anyways, hey. I liked this post. I liked how you chose the passages that introduced the two characters (so did I!) because I definitely think they're the most contrasting. And it was interesting how you contended that they were portrayed in the complete opposite way, because I ended up comparing their portrayal. I also really liked your poem, it was heckin intense. It's cool that you chose the issue of the murder because it was a specific turning point in their minds, and I think most people definitely did a more generalized kind of thing. Sooo great job bud.
HEY BABE! (still trying to figure out if Mrs. G read these... Lol)
ReplyDeleteGreat job on this post and the poem too!
I took a very similar approach to the poem except that I wrote it when Mr. Hyde takes over Dr. Jekyll without warning, in the courtyard. I also really liked the picture that you used, totally get the grandfatherly vibe. However, I think I disagree with this portrayal of him. I always thought of Dr. Jekyll as a classy, wealthy, like 50 year old STUD. I think this because he gets all the LADIES and has a ton of friends. IDK, look up "hot 50 year old doctor" on google and see what happens. (JK I was too curious and did it for you, check this out: https://tinyurl.com/y9ybxhj8) Also, I DIED at your title, I love you. That was so relatable, since I used my freebie on the art blog.
Anyway, great job, mi esposa.