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J and H - Symbolism (Letters and Documents (They play a major role because…
J and H - Symbolism
Hyde's Appearance
Small, shrunken, hairy, deformed and ugly
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At the time Hyde's appearance was very symbolic because, people believed in the science of Physiognomy - A criminal could be identified by physical appearance
His small stature reflects how he was repressed for so many years. He did not fully grow // flourish
The door's
Hyde
It intrigues most characters. Utterson is firstly intrigued when he speaks of the door with Enfield.
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It acts as a barrier / place of refuge for Hyde. -- When Utterson attempts to speak to Hyde and Hyde shuts the door in his face
It is described in sinister, undesirable terms
Jekyll
The door represents Jekyll in every way. Jekyll is described as a 'well made, smooth-faced man of fifty with something of a stylish cast' and 'every mark of capacity and kindness' - like the door
It acts as an access point but also a barrier to the outside world and Utterson. He uses the privacy of his home/laboratory to brew a potion to make Hyde.
It is described in wholesome, desirable terms
- Doors can be opened to grant access or entry
- Can be used protectively/ secretly to keep someone/thing out.
In J + H, doors represent good and evil, point of access / barriers and symbols of characters
Jekylls' Cabinet door
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Despite the room inside's coziness, we then find out it is where J and H endure a great pain (when turning into each other)
It therefore, represents both the evil and pure side // Duality
Its purpose is to radically divide comfort and discomfort, agony and relief
No one has access to the door. At the end, Poole and Utterson have to break down the door in order to get in - The door expresses Jekyll's extreme resistance to anyone uncovering his secret
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Letters and Documents
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The will: The whole suspicion of Utterson // action starts because of the mystery of the will and Hyde.
The letter from Hyde: the suspicion / questioning of Jekyll started due to the letter 'he' wrote but said Hyde did.
Dr Lanyon's narrative starts with a letter. He receives a letter.
In some way the letter becomes his cause of death because if he had not done what he was told he would not have seen what he saw.
Henry Jekyll's statement of the case: The whole explanation/ mystery revealed was through this last document. Without it no one would have understood
The characters use letters / documents to express themselves because they find it too hard to say in real life. It becomes a refuge for them / a way of explaining themselves.