The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: "Story of the Door" - Study Guide
This study guide will help you analyze Robert Louis Stevenson’s opening chapter, “Story of the Door,” focusing on key themes and setting up the central mystery.
Themes / Big Ideas
- Duality of Human Nature: This is the central theme. The chapter introduces a disturbing contrast between respectable society and hidden evil, foreshadowing the split personality at the heart of the story. The existence of Hyde immediately suggests that everyone has a darker side.
- Repression & Respectability: Victorian society placed immense value on reputation and suppressing “unacceptable” desires. The chapter explores the lengths people will go to maintain appearances, even if it means engaging in questionable or criminal behavior.
- The Shadow Self: Related to duality, this concept (popularized by Carl Jung) suggests that everyone possesses a darker, less conscious side. Hyde embodies the shadow self – the repressed instincts and desires that society deems unacceptable.
- Good vs. Evil: The chapter doesn’t present a simple dichotomy, but rather explores the blurred lines between good and evil. Utterson’s tolerance for “downgoing men” suggests a recognition that morality is complex.
- The Unexplained & the Supernatural: The strange events surrounding Hyde and the mysterious door hint at forces beyond rational explanation, creating a sense of unease and suspense.
- Curiosity & Investigation: Utterson's methodical investigation drives the narrative forward. The chapter establishes his role as a rational observer attempting to unravel a disturbing mystery.
Vocabulary List
| Word | Part of Speech | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| countenance | noun | a person’s face or facial expression |
| discourse | noun | conversation; discussion |
| sentiment | noun | a feeling or emotion |
| beaconed | verb | signaled; attracted attention |
| eminently | adverb | remarkably; outstandingly |
| austere | adjective | severe or strict in manner, attitude, or appearance |
| vintages | noun | wine of a particular year |
| catholicity | noun | broad-mindedness; universality of taste or opinion |
| aptness | noun | natural inclination or tendency |
| feat | noun | an achievement that requires great courage, skill, or strength |
| undemonstrative | adjective | not openly expressive of emotion |
| emulously | adverb | with envious desire to equal or excel another |
| coquetry | noun | flirtatiousness; the practice of attracting someone through charm |
| thoroughfare | noun | a public road or way |
| dingy | adjective | dull, dirty, and often unpleasant |
| sinister | adjective | giving the impression that something harmful or evil is happening or will happen |
| gable | noun | the triangular portion of a wall between the sloping edges of a roof |
| sordid | adjective | extremely dirty and unpleasant; morally degraded |
| negligence | noun | failure to take proper care in doing something |
| blistered | adjective | covered with or marked by blisters |
| distained | adjective | stained; discolored |
| slouched | verb | to slump or bend forward in a lazy way |
| halloa | interjection | an exclamation used to attract attention or express excitement |
| Juggernaut | noun | something (as an irresistible force) that crushes or destroys everything in its path |
| sawbones | noun | slang term for a surgeon or doctor |
| apocryphal | adjective | of doubtful authenticity; false or spurious |
| pitched | verb | to set at a certain level; in this case, demanding a specific amount of money |
| harpies | noun | predatory birds known for their aggression; used metaphorically to describe cruel people |
| proprieties | noun | conventional standards of good behavior |
| capers | noun | mischievous acts; pranks |
| pedantically | adverb | excessively concerned with minor details and rules |
| delicacy | noun | sensitivity; reluctance |
| Queer Street | idiom | a difficult or suspicious situation |
| packed | adjective | crowded closely together |
| surmise | verb | to guess or suspect |
Quotes to Look For (and consider their significance)
- “Mr. Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance that was never lighted by a smile…” – Establishes Utterson’s character as reserved and unemotional.
- “I incline to Cain’s heresy,” he used to say quaintly: “I let my brother go to the devil in his own way.” – Reveals Utterson’s unusual tolerance and belief in individual freedom, even if it leads to wrongdoing.
- “It was a nut to crack for many, what these two could see in each other…” (Utterson & Enfield) – Highlights the unusual nature of their friendship and foreshadows the mysteries to come.
- “The street was small and what is called quiet, but it drove a thriving trade on the weekdays…” – Creates an ironic contrast between the seemingly respectable exterior and the hidden darkness.
- “a certain sinister block of building thrust forward its gable on the street.” – Introduces the mysterious house as a symbol of evil and foreboding.
- “Tramps slouched into the recess and struck matches on the panels; children kept shop upon the steps…” – Emphasizes the building’s neglect and its association with disreputable activities.
- “It was like some damned Juggernaut.” – A powerful metaphor illustrating the brutal and unstoppable nature of Hyde’s attack.
- “He was perfectly cool and made no resistance, but gave me one look, so ugly that it brought out the sweat on me like running.” – Highlights Hyde’s unsettling and inhuman demeanor.
- “I knew what was in his mind, just as he knew what was in mine; and killing being out of the question, we did the next best.” – Reveals a shared sense of horror and desperation.
- “Blackmail House is what I call the place with the door, in consequence.” – Introduces a possible motive for Hyde’s actions.
- “He is not easy to describe. There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something down-right detestable.” – Creates a sense of unease and emphasizes Hyde’s unnatural quality.
- “You see, Richard, your tale has gone home.” – Reveals that Utterson already knows something about the man who walked over the child.
- “There is no other door, and nobody goes in or out of that one but, once in a great while, the gentleman of my adventure.” – Further emphasizes the isolation and mystery surrounding the house.
This chapter is crucial for establishing the atmosphere, introducing key characters, and setting up the central conflict. Pay close attention to Stevenson’s use of language and imagery to create a sense of suspense and foreboding.