Chapter 3 Notes and Quotes

'Dr Jekyll was Quite at Ease'

Summary

The scene takes place at a dinner party in Dr Jekyll’s house. The rest of the dinner party guests leave for the night but Utterson remains behind to speak with Jekyll. He approaches him about the content of his will and begins to suggest that Hyde may not be a good choice of acquaintance – at this Jekyll retorts that he does not want to know any more about Hyde’s character.

Utterson offers his service as a lawyer to free him from the shackles that Hyde has him under but Jekyll responds that he does not need assistance. Jekyll promises Utterson that, should he need to, he can be rid of Mr Hyde at any point. Jekyll reminds Utterson that he takes a great interest in Hyde and makes Utterson promise that if anything should happen to him (die or disappear) that Jekyll’s will would be exacted and everything would be given to Hyde.

 

Important Quotations

‘I am painfully situated, Utterson; my position is very strange – a very strange one. It is one of those affairs that cannot be mended by talking’

This statement is vague and causes the audience to question what is strange about Jekyll’s position. Builds tension.

 

‘The large handsome face of Dr Jekyll grew pale to the very lips, and there came a blackness about his eyes. ‘I do not care to hear more’

This quotation shows that speaking about Hyde visibly distresses Jekyll. The way he reacts shows that he is aware of Hyde’s character but that he doesn’t want to be reminded of it.

 

‘I will tell you one thing: the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde’

Utterson thought that Hyde had a control/hold over Jekyll but here Jekyll suggests that the power is his. This statement causes us to question who has the power in their relationship. He is possibly saying this so Utterson doesn’t pursue the topic – to placate /reassure his friend or he could be saying this as it is what he truly believes.