The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde · Chapter
Search for Mr. Hyde explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Utterson, troubled by the strange terms of Dr. Jekyll's will and the disturbing account of Mr. Hyde given by Enfield, begins his own investigation. He visits Dr. Lanyon, who reveals a long-standing rift with Jekyll over scientific matters and denies knowledge of Hyde. Haunted by Enfield's story, Utterson resolves to see Hyde's face and begins staking out the door in the bystreet. He eventually spots Hyde and is struck by his deformity and malevolence. Utterson then calls on Jekyll, but is told by Poole that Jekyll is out and that Hyde has a key to the laboratory. The chapter ends with Utterson brooding over Jekyll's possible past sins and resolving to intervene.
Themes in this chapter
Appearance vs. Reality
Utterson's search for Hyde is driven by the contrast between Jekyll's respectable appearance and the disturbing reality of his connection to Hyde. Hyde's face is described as bearing 'Satan's signature,' yet he moves freely in society.
Repression and Secrecy
Utterson broods over Jekyll's hidden past and the 'cancer of some concealed disgrace.' The will's strange clause about 'disappearance or unexplained absence' hints at secrets Jekyll is desperate to hide.
Friendship and Loyalty
Utterson's loyalty to Jekyll drives his investigation, despite his growing unease. The rift between Jekyll and Lanyon over scientific matters underscores the strain on old friendships.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Utterson
Utterson is the central figure in this chapter, driven by concern over Jekyll's will and a growing curiosity about Hyde. He visits Lanyon, stakes out the bystreet, and finally sees Hyde, whose appearance deeply disturbs him.
- Dr. Hastie Lanyon
Lanyon is visited by Utterson and reveals that he and Jekyll have been estranged for over ten years due to Jekyll's 'unscientific balderdash.' He has never heard of Hyde.
- Mr. Edward Hyde
Hyde is the object of Utterson's search. He is seen briefly by Utterson, who notes his small, deformed stature and a palpable sense of evil. Hyde uses a key to enter Jekyll's laboratory.
- Dr. Henry Jekyll
Jekyll is absent from home when Utterson calls. Utterson reflects on Jekyll's past wildness and fears he is in 'deep waters' due to some concealed disgrace.
- Poole
Poole, Jekyll's butler, admits Utterson and informs him that Hyde has a key and that the household has orders to obey him.
- Mr. Richard Enfield
Enfield is not physically present but his tale of Hyde trampling a child haunts Utterson's imagination throughout the chapter.
Key passages
“I thought it was madness, and now I begin to fear it is disgrace.”
Utterson initially believed Jekyll's will was simply irrational, but now he worries it points to something shameful.
This line captures Utterson's shift from intellectual concern to moral alarm.
“If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek.”
Utterson playfully resolves to actively search for Hyde, turning his own name into a pun.
This pun reflects Utterson's determination and the detective-like nature of his quest.
“O my poor old Harry Jekyll, if ever I read Satan's signature upon a face, it is on that of your new friend.”
Utterson thinks to himself that Hyde's face is unmistakably evil, like a mark from the devil.
This thought underscores the theme of good vs. evil and Utterson's visceral reaction to Hyde.
