The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: Chapter – “The Carew Murder Case” Study Guide

This study guide will help you analyze the key elements of Chapter 8, “The Carew Murder Case,” focusing on themes, vocabulary, and important quotes.

I. Themes / Big Ideas

This chapter is pivotal in the novel, solidifying the horror and mystery surrounding Hyde. It introduces concrete evidence of his brutality and begins to unravel the connection between him and Jekyll. Here are some key themes/big ideas explored:

The Duality of Human Nature: The shocking violence of the murder highlights the dark side hidden within humanity. Carew, presented as a “aged beautiful gentleman,” is juxtaposed with Hyde’s senseless cruelty. This emphasizes the potential for evil even in seemingly respectable individuals.
Repression & Release: The act of violence can be seen as a release of repressed evil. Hyde's outburst is sudden and uncontrollable, suggesting a build-up of dark impulses.
The Nature of Evil: The chapter explores the question of whether evil is inherent or a product of circumstance. Hyde's “ape-like fury” and lack of motive suggest something primal and deeply disturbing.
Social Class & Respectability: The victim’s high social standing amplifies the shock of the crime. The contrast between Carew's status and Hyde’s actions underscores the disruption of social order. The investigation also reveals a hidden underbelly of London society, with its “slatternly passengers” and “blackguardly surroundings.”
Secrecy & Concealment: The chapter is driven by the investigation of a hidden crime and the attempts to uncover Hyde’s identity. The burning of the cheque book is a desperate act of concealment.
The Power of Reputation: The initial shock and the police’s eagerness to solve the case are partly driven by the victim's reputation. The investigation is also fueled by a desire to protect the social order.

II. Vocabulary List

Word	Part of Speech	Definition
Singular	Adjective	Of or relating to one thing or person; unique.
Ferocity	Noun	The state or quality of being fierce, savage, or violent.
Notable	Adjective	Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable.
Romantically	Adverb	In a sentimental or imaginative way; with feelings of love.
Musing	Noun	A series of reflective thoughts; contemplation.
Accosted	Verb	To approach and address someone boldly or aggressively.
Ill-contained	Adjective	Not fully controlled; barely restrained.
Insensate	Adjective	Lacking sensation; unconscious or unresponsive.
Mangled	Verb	Severely wounded, disfigured, or mutilated.
Quailed	Verb	To shrink back in fear; to feel a sense of dread.
Embattled	Adjective	Involved in a fierce struggle or conflict.
Lurid	Adjective	Gruesome, shocking, or sensational.
Conflagration	Noun	A large destructive fire.
Haggard	Adjective	Looking exhausted or gaunt, typically due to stress or hardship.
Slatternly	Adjective	Messy, untidy, and slovenly.
Hypocrisy	Noun	The practice of claiming to have moral standards or beliefs to which one's own behavior does not conform.
Connoisseur	Noun	An expert judge in matters of taste.
Ransacked	Verb	To search thoroughly and aggressively, typically in order to find something valuable.
Disinterred	Verb	To dig up (something buried).
Clinched	Verb	To finally settle or confirm something.
Familiars	Noun	People with whom one is well acquainted; friends.
Fugitive	Noun	A person who has escaped from captivity or is hiding.
Unexpressed	Adjective	Not communicated or revealed; implicit.

III. Quotes to Look For & Analyze

These quotes are important for understanding the chapter’s key themes and plot developments. Consider why Stevenson chose these specific words and phrases.

“London was startled by a crime of singular ferocity…”: This opening immediately establishes the shocking nature of the event and foreshadows the darkness to come.
“Never had she felt more at peace with all men or thought more kindly of the world.”: The maid’s initial tranquility creates a stark contrast with the violence that follows, emphasizing the disruption of order.
“He had in his hand a heavy cane, with which he was trifling…”: The seemingly innocuous object becomes a weapon of brutal violence. This foreshadows the danger Hyde represents.
“And next moment, with ape-like fury, he was trampling his victim under foot…”: The “ape-like” description dehumanizes Hyde and suggests a primal, uncontrollable rage.
“I shall say nothing till I have seen the body,” said he; “this may be very serious.”: Utterson’s cautious response reveals his growing suspicion and the gravity of the situation.
“I recognise him. I am sorry to say that this is Sir Danvers Carew.”: The identification of the victim as a respected member of society amplifies the shock and horror.
“broken and battered as it was, he recognised it for one that he had himself presented many years before to Henry Jekyll.”: This is a crucial moment of connection between Hyde and Jekyll, raising questions about their relationship.
“a district of some city in a nightmare.”: The description of Soho reflects Utterson’s growing fear and the unsettling nature of his investigation.
“He don’t seem a very popular character,” observed the latter. This quote shows that Hyde is known as someone who is disliked.
“Money’s life to the man.”: The inspector's observation reveals a key aspect of Hyde’s character – his possessiveness and attachment to wealth.
“Only on one point were they agreed; and that was the haunting sense of unexpressed deformity with which the fugitive impressed his beholders.”: This quote highlights the mysterious and unsettling nature of Hyde’s appearance, which defies easy description.

This study guide should help you delve deeper into the complexities of “The Carew Murder Case” and its significance within The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Remember to consider the context of the Victorian era and Stevenson’s use of language when analyzing these themes, vocabulary, and quotes.