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The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

by Robert Louis Stevenson

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Student Question

How does Utterson's conversation with Jekyll in "Dr. Jekyll was Quite at Ease" intensify the mystery surrounding Hyde?

Quick answer:

Utterson's conversation with Jekyll intensifies the mystery surrounding Hyde by providing no clear answers. Jekyll insists the matter is private and that he can dispense with Hyde at will, yet he remains evasive and incoherent. This lack of clarity and Jekyll's babbling increase Utterson's and the reader's curiosity, deepening the enigma around Hyde's true nature and Jekyll's connection to him.

Expert Answers

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In this chapter, Utterson goes to talk to Dr. Jekyll in an attempt to find out what is going on with him and Hyde -- why he has written the will the way he has.  But his conversation with Jekyll really only makes things worse.

This is because Jekyll does not really tell him anything.  He tells Utterson that it is a private manner and he should leave it alone.  But at the same time he talks about how he can get rid of Hyde whenever he wants.  And all the time, he has a "certain incoherency of manner."

So Jekyll is sort of just babbling a bit and doesn't really give Utterson any more information.

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