Don't HYDE from this Blog Post!

Don't HYDE from this Blog Post!

STEP ONE:

HYDE

"He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something down-right detestable. I never saw a man I so disliked, and yet I scarce know why. He must be deformed somewhere; he gives a strong feeling of deformity, although I couldn't specify the point. He's an extraordinary looking man, and yet I really can name nothing out of the way." 
               - Chapter 1, Jekyll and Hyde

WHAT I OBSERVE...

This excerpt characterizes Hyde in a very indirect way, uncertain of specific characteristics (hilighted in yellow).  Not being able to describe Hyde is a way of instiling ambiguity into the character, giving off a mysterious tone.  Utterson is only able to describe him as deformed or displeasing.  This characteritization of Hyde is described as a feeling, showing the lack of certainty in his obeservations.  

A lack of understanding of Hyde is representative of the disaproval the character receives for his lack of status among the upper class.  His appearance is actually very fitting of Hyde's character, with the confusing characterization being mirrored in his confusing identity.  

JEKYLL

"To this rule, Dr. Jekyll was no exception; and as he now sat on the opposite side of the fire--a large, well-made, smooth-faced man of fifty, with something of a stylish 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 ..."You know I never approved of it," pursued Utterson, ruthlessly disregarding the fresh topic."My will? Yes, certainly, I know that," said the doctor, a trifle sharply. "You have told me so.""Well, I tell you so again," continued the lawyer. "I have been learning something of young Hyde."The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale to the very lips, and there came a blackness about his eyes. "I do not care to hear more," said he. "This is a matter I thought we had agreed to drop.""
               - Chapter 3, Jekyll and Hyde

WHAT I OBSERVE...

Unlike the first passage, this excerpt characterizes Jekyll with certainty.  The description is of specific characteristics rather than vague feelings felt by a character.  The characterization itself regarded Jekyll as "warm" and containing "kindness", words that would never be used to describe Hyde.  Despite the high regard the characters have for him, Jekyll is still somewhat in anguish.  

Jekyll is seen differently from outside than he seems to feel internally.  He is also just as private as Hyde, yet because of his status is placed closely under the public's eye.  

STEP TWO: 
Emily Ficker and I collaborated to create the following poem.  This poem is from the perspective of Jekyll's House and Hyde's Laboratory to show how society treats Jekyll and Hyde based off of outwards appearances versus the reality of what truly goes on inside.  Stevenson uses setting as a figurative mirror for Jekyll and Hyde's characters, making the following poem an accurate depiction of both figures.  



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