Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeThere are many symbols throughout the novel which contribute powerfully to the overall sense of unease and mystery as well as adding to the author's creation of an atmosphere of secrecy and hypocrisy.

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Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

There are many symbols throughout the novel which contribute powerfully to the overall sense of unease and mystery as well as adding to the author’s creation of an atmosphere of secrecy and hypocrisy.

By Katie Hall

The novel of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde was written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886. Robert Louis Stevenson was a man who grew up in Edinburgh; this was a known as a city with two sides. As a student he led a double life. This is a bit like Dr Jekyll throughout the novel. Robert Louis Stevenson was influenced by true crime stories in Edinburgh, one of these was William `Deacon `Brodie, who was a respected craftsman by day and a criminal by night he was later hung in 1788.The novel Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is about the two sides of Dr Jekyll. Throughout the day he was known as a well respected doctor and at night he takes a potion which later turns him into Mr Hyde. Mr Hyde is an evil man who receives pleasure out of running small children over and going around the streets murdering people.

        The story throughout creates a sense of mystery and unease. There are many symbols of secrecy throughout the novel for example “the windows are always shut” which suggests that Mr Hyde likes to keep everything in, and this could symbolise his soul, in the way that when he conceals his true character from the outside world. There is also “the darkness in the square” which is symbolic of Jekyll and gives us the feeling that he is a man with a dark side. “The Locked Door” is a chapter in which Jekylls house is described. The door is locked it has two doors one has “No window, knocker or bell” yet again this creates an atmosphere of secrecy. The door is “blistered” and “disclaimed”, and it is the door that Hyde uses. The house with two doors symbolises Jekylls dual personality.

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        The novel is set in London which is described as, “labyrinths of lamp lighted city” this suggests that it’s a place where you can easily be hidden or lost and symbolises secrecy. An example of suppression and secrecy is that it’s known as a “nocturnal city” which signifies that it come alive at night. The city is “plunged in darkness” we therefore associate the city with mystery and evil. It is “a city in nightmare”, this is a sinister image and therefore London seems threatening. The “low growl of London” this creates an image of a city which is ...

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