How does Stevenson create an atmosphere of suspense and horror in "Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde"? Why was this so significant at the time it was written?

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How does Stevenson create an atmosphere of suspense and horror in “Dr    Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”? Why was this so significant at the time it was written?

In the book Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson truly proves himself as a wonderful writer. Throughout the story he keeps a huge sense of suspense and horror, capturing the reader’s interest and making them want to read on. From just the first paragraph he has gained the readers interest and pulled them into the plot of the story. The opening sentence of the story is:

        “Mr. Utterson the lawyer was a man of a rugged countenance, that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary, and yet somehow lovable.” This sentence quickly grabs your attention and shows what an interesting and complex character Mr. Utterson is. Throughout the story Stevenson continues to describe every aspect of the story in amazing detail creating a clear image of what is going on. One building that plays a very big part in the story was described in extreme detail. From the beginning you learn that there is something unpleasant about this building. The first word that Stevenson used to describe this building was sinister. Not many buildings look sinister, and the thought of this building looking like this immediately tells you that there is something not right about it. Stevenson also mentions that it is two stories high but has no windows, just a door on the lower floor. This building does not just look sinister, but it looks un-natural, this reflects the personality of Hyde who you learn lives in the building. Stevenson also tells you how this building has been neglected and badly cared for

“The marks of prolonged and sordid negligence.”

This shows how nobody cares for the state of this building much as how nobody cares for Hyde. People say how a single look from Hyde is enough to bring out beads of sweat on their foreheads, as he is so evil, and as Hyde was created he is also un-natural. Stevenson also describes how the door looks very unpleasant. He mentions that it looks blistered and distained and had neither bell nor knocker. Bad things often happen in bad places and this building is probably the king of bad places. You wish to know what types of evil deeds go on in this building that creates a feeling of curiosity and suspense. On page 11 of the book Mr. Enfield tells a story of how a man trampled over a young girl leaving her screaming in the street. One of the most shocking parts of this is how the man is described as walking calmly over the screaming child as if he had no sense of guilt or remorse. Enfield says

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“It sound nothing to hear, but was hellish to see.”

But the description he gives creates a clear image of what went on. The reader would be horrified at how a man could show no mercy, not even to children who are considered innocent and defenseless. Enfield describes how he chased after the men who put up no resistance once he was caught instead he just went calmly. This would also have shocked the reader as it shows that he has no fear of punishment. You soon learn that this man is Edward Hyde and that he lives ...

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