Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Elements of the Historical Content

A historical element used is of Mr. Hyde's extravagant home. In his home he has expensive carpets and and a closet full of wine. Like in the Victorian age, Hyde's house is furnished with luxury and good taste. Victorians tried to show off their wealth with expensive and luxurious objects. This setting gives the readers thoughts that Mr. Hyde is just trying to get something from Dr. Jekyll. It once again gives Mr. Utterson the sense that Mr. Hyde is up to no good.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Elements of Relationship

An important relationship I find in the story is that of Mr. Hyde and Mr. Utterson. Mr. Utterson first heard about Mr. Hyde through a retelling of an incident between the awkward man and a young girl. That is when Mr. Utterson begins having suspicion over who Hyde is and what his intentions are towards Dr. Jekyll. Mr. Utterson's encounters with Mr. Hyde provoke Utterson to observe Hyde and his actions. Utterson makes it his goal to discover who Mr. Hyde is and how he affects Dr. Jekyll's life.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Literary Elements (2)

The rising action of the story is of when Mr. Hyde commits a crime unacceptable in the setting he is in.

"The old gentlemen took a step back, with the air of one very much surprised and a trifle hurt: and at that Mr. Hyde broke out of all bounds, and clubbed him to the earth. And next moment, with ape-like fury, he was trampling his victim under foot, and hailing down a storm of blows, under which the bones were audibly shattered and the body  jumped upon the roadway. At the horror of these sights and sounds, the maid fainted." p. 15

Mr. Hyde is seen murdering a man in the middle of the street by a maid. He was easily recognized by the maid and he was already being hunted. Mr. Hyde's previous encounter with a young girl didn't help convince the public he was innocent. It only proved more he was capable of committing such a despicable crime. After such an incident Mr. Hyde caused much suspicion towards his intentions with Dr. Jekyll. Mr. Hyde even disappeared for a certain period and the relationship between Dr. Jekyll, Mr. Utterson, and Dr. Lanyon restored itself. The presence of Mr. Hyde eventually caused a friend's death and the disintegration of a long-term friendship.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Literary Elements

A literary element I found in the story was exposition. At the beginning of the book Mr. Utterson is told the story of the door and how Mr. Hyde was first recognized.


"I was coming back home from some place at the end of the world, about three o'clock of a black winter morning, and my way lay through a part of town where there was literally nothing to be seen but lamps.... All at once, I saw two figures: one a little man...and the other a girl.... Well, sir, the two ran into one another...." p. 2


Mr. Enfield is letting Mr. Utterson know of the strange encounter of Mr. Hyde and a small child. The purpose of the exposition is to tell of how Mr. Hyde first encountered anyone in the city. From that moment on he was seen as a rude and awkward person. No one really knows much about him and he isn't seen much. This is also where Mr. Hyde is first met by the reader and the impression he makes on the reader. To me Mr. Hyde seems to be misunderstood but he doesn't really seem to care what people think of him.

Until Death Do Us Part

Ch. 24

This man that has found me has been so kind and non-judgmental. He has seen my pain and has promised to rid this world of the daemon if I am not capable. He seems to really care about my well-being and about my actions toward the creature. I only hope for the end of the creatures life. This ll needs to end but it won't until either the creature or I are dead. The only way I will rest peacefully is if the creature is the one dead. I will know for sure no one else will be hurt.

They're All Gone!!

Ch. 23

My Elizabeth and my father have been taken away from me. No matter what their deaths will always be traced back to the awful creature and my idea of bringing him to life. My only reason to live now is to avenge my family's death. The creature must be killed and his deathly rampage must end. I can't let his crime and the unjustly punishment of others go without a vendetta. I have to do this on my own because it seems like the legal authority won't be able to capture such a creature. I created it, I must put an end to it.

When Will It End?

Ch. 21

I can't believe the next victim was my dear friend Clerval. So young and so full of hopes and dreams, it is unfair he was killed. The wretched monster has kept his promise of destroying my life. I should be put to death because I created the daemon that has brought sorrow to the beings around me. I am thankful to Mr. Kirwin for believing in my innocence but I still feel guilty for bringing such a wretch into the world. I just want to return to secure the safety if my beloved Elizabeth. I'd like to spend the rest of my life with her in peace without any worries. I hope we can have a beautiful and happy wedding without having to expect a monster seeking our deaths.

Victor