Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Chapter 1 Summary & Analysis

Summary

Mr. Utterson: A wealthy, respected London lawyer, known for his reserved nature but inspires fondness in others.
Mr. Enfield: Utterson's distant relative, also respectable, accompanies Utterson on weekly walks.
Incident Description: During a walk, Utterson and Enfield come across a neglected building, prompting Enfield to recount a story:
- Enfield's Story: Late one night, Enfield saw a deformed man trample a young girl.
- The man, later identified as Hyde, was caught by Enfield and an angry crowd.
- Hyde avoided scandal by paying £100, using a cheque from a reputable man's account.
- Enfield suspects blackmail but refrains from gossip.
Character of Hyde: Described as overwhelmingly ugly, evoking disgust without a clear reason.
Agreement: Utterson guesses the name on the check and agrees with Enfield to drop the matter.

Genre and Structure: The novel begins like a detective story with a mysterious figure, violence, and hints of scandal. Readers are led into a world of mystery before supernatural elements emerge.
Victorian Themes:
- Respectability and Reputation: Enfield and Utterson represent the Victorian emphasis on reputation.
- Blackmail: Used as a tool, reflecting societal focus on maintaining social standing.
- Curiosity vs. Privacy: Utterson is intrigued by Hyde, showing a curiosity about the darker side of life.
Utterson's Role:
- A rationalist, always looking for logical explanations.
- His perspective showcases the tension between rationalism and the supernatural.
Describing Hyde:
- Enfield struggles to pinpoint what makes Hyde so repulsive.
- Hyde's deformity is more metaphysical than physical, beyond rational explanation.
Supernatural Elements:
- Stevenson introduces the supernatural subtly, challenging characters' perceptions of reality.

Rational vs. Irrational: Utterson's rationality contrasts with the strange events involving Hyde.
Reputation and Secrets: The societal pressure to maintain a respectable image is a driving force.
Mystery and Gothic Elements: The novel's gothic atmosphere builds as Utterson delves deeper into Hyde's world.

Silence: Represents the characters' reluctance to discuss disturbing events or people.
Deformity: Hyde embodies a metaphysical deformity that challenges logical explanations.