Blog Post #23490283 #Englishrocks #JekyllandHydeforever

Since beginning progress in the novella, I have learned quite a lot about the two main characters: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
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.”
This quote given by Mr. Enfield gives a very real, yet negative description of Mr. Hyde. This is the first example of characterization occurring regarding Mr. Hyde in the book, and deliberately includes the weird characteristics of Mr. Hyde. This quote is derived from the first chapter of the novella, in which he is continuously portrayed as "inhumane" and precarious. Although the quote does not describe actions made by Mr. Hyde, it clearly states an analysis of Hyde's physical attributes that make him such an unwary person to the surrounding community. In most people's opinions, Hyde was rather peculiar in more ways than one, causing him to come off as disturbing. This description of Hyde presents all negative perceptions and characteristics of Hyde that cause him to be such a loathed and mysterious (theme of mystery begins) man.
Dr. Jekyll: “A large, well-made, smooth-faced 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."
In contrast to the quote describing Mr. Hyde, Dr. Jekyll is portrayed as a likable man. Dr. Jekyll is seen as a respectable, kind man whom most have only positive things to say about him. Dr. Jekyll is nice to everyone he meets and that reflects in the way the community views him. Jekyll's true kindness is displayed in the quote "...you could see by his looks that he cherished for Mr. Utterson a sincere and warm affection." The use of language such as "sincere" and "warm affection" display the overall kindness instilled in Jekyll.
Clearly Jekyll and Hyde are rather different in terms of their physical appearances and personality. Mr. Hyde is considered to be a mysterious man with a lack of people skills, as people have described speaking to him as "sinister". The physical description of both characters is directly linked to the overall description of the character's mental and emotional attributes, which distinctly divide Jekyll and Hyde. (hey that rhymes) 

POEM TIME
Dr. Jekyll- We are not the same.
Mr. Hyde- My, my what a shame.
Dr. Jekyll- I am kind, cautious, sincere, affectionate.
Mr. Hyde- Why is he so cautious?
Both- Keep to your ways.
Dr. Jekyll- I am in control.
Mr. Hyde- You are minuscule.
Dr. Jekyll- I must do what's right.
Mr. Hyde- Stop with the fight.
Both- Keep to your ways.
Dr. Jekyll- You take my pride.
Mr. Hyde- I am Hyde?
Dr. Jekyll- We are not one.
Mr. Hyde- You are no fun.
Both- Keep to your ways.
Dr. Jekyll- I am not evil, I am virtuous.
Mr. Hyde- You are obnoxious.
Dr. Jekyll- I am not you.
Mr. Hyde- That's hardly true.
Both- Keep to your ways.

The poem above portrays the constant battle for control between Jekyll and Hyde. Jekyll is the kind, compassionate one, which Hyde is the despicable, cruel one. The poem conveys both characters inner disputes with themselves over the defiance of the other. Along with that it peaks into the constant battle among both characters to have control over one another. The purpose of this poem is to clearly portray the mental and emotional controversy occurring in both characters inner conscious over the actions and ideas of their opposite personality, as they make up one person.

Source- The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde- Robert Stevenson

COMMENTS
Summer's Blog-
Great job connecting the physical, mental, and emotional characteristics to your overall analysis of the characters as a whole and separate. You did a great job providing examples that tied in perfectly to your argument on the differences and similarities of both characters. Along with that the poems were spot on to Jekyll and Hyde's personalities and I loved reading them.

Sophie's Blog-
I loved the blog Soph. You did a great job establishing characterization while also developing your argument. The analysis of the differences between Jekyll and Hyde was very strong and detailed and I loved reading it. Also, the poem rocked. I loved your use of appearance versus reality which we have been investigating as a theme in other novels as well. Overall I loved the incorporation of specific detail and exterior sources like To Kill a Mocking Bird. Great Job Sophie Soph!





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