The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Jekyll states in Chapter 10: “I hazard a guess that man will be ultimately known for a mere polity of multifarious, incongruous and independent denizens” (111). Discuss how this prediction has come true in today’s society. Are there ways in which people today manipulate or change their identities?

The author describes Utterson as “embarrassed in discourse” and “backward in sentiment” (47). What might Stevenson mean by these phrases, and how, if at all, do they relate to Utterson’s behavior in the book?

What is Utterson’s attitude toward Jekyll at the beginning of the book? What is Lanyon’s? How do their attitudes change?

Stevenson relies to some extent on coincidences to move his plot forward. What are some examples? Do they affect the plausibility of the plot?

Stevenson does not reveal what Carew and Hyde said to each other during their exchange, or why Carew was out walking at that late hour. What were the circumstances, as you imagine them?

All of the main characters in the book are male and seemingly unmarried. Do you think this was a deliberate choice on Stevenson’s part? What might be the reason for it?

Compare and contrast the two main female characters who appear in Chapter 4 of the book, the maid and the old woman at Hyde’s home. What purpose do they serve? What do you think Stevenson’s intention was in introducing them around the same time?

How might the story have gone if Jekyll shared his research with the public? How would this affect the ending of the book?