Dr Jekyll And Mr Hyde Summary Chapter 2

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Chapter 2 Summary and Analysis: A Deeper Dive into the Shadowy World of Enfield

Chapter 2 of Robert Louis Stevenson's Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde significantly expands the mystery surrounding the enigmatic Mr. Hyde. While Chapter 1 introduced us to the unsettling encounter between Mr. Utterson, the narrator's friend, and Mr. Hyde, this chapter delves deeper into the incident, exploring its implications and revealing crucial details that fuel the narrative's suspense. This detailed summary and analysis will unpack the events, symbolism, and underlying themes present in this pivotal chapter.

The Story's Progression: Unveiling the Mystery

The chapter opens with Mr. Utterson and his young friend, Mr. Enfield, continuing their Sunday stroll. They revisit the site of the infamous incident involving Mr. Hyde trampling a young girl, a scene that profoundly disturbed Enfield. The conversation subtly shifts from casual observation to a more probing discussion about Mr. Hyde’s unsettling nature and his relationship with the esteemed Dr. Jekyll. Enfield describes Hyde as a physically repulsive figure—small, lean, and clearly deformed—evoking feelings of unease and revulsion. This description solidifies the initial impression of Hyde as someone fundamentally different, almost monstrous.

The core of the chapter lies in Enfield's recounting of the incident. He describes witnessing Hyde brutally run over a young girl, causing her significant injury. Despite Hyde's callous disregard for the victim, he is remarkably calm and self-possessed. He produces a check from Dr. Jekyll, a significant amount of money to compensate for the damages. This seemingly inexplicable act—a wealthy and respectable individual paying an exorbitant sum to settle a case of deliberate assault—is the central puzzle. This act establishes the connection between the seemingly monstrous Hyde and the respectable Jekyll, hinting at a hidden, sinister link between the two.

The narrative then shifts to Utterson’s growing curiosity and his subsequent investigation. He visits Dr. Jekyll’s residence, seeking answers and further information about Hyde. He finds the house meticulously kept and observes the distinct contrast between Jekyll's luxurious surroundings and Hyde's previously described repulsive appearance, deepening the mystery surrounding their relationship. Utterson expresses his concerns about the check, the disproportionate sum suggesting Jekyll's possible complicity in Hyde's actions, or at least, his desire to cover up the event. This highlights Utterson’s loyalty to Jekyll, a loyalty that will be severely tested as the narrative progresses.

Finally, Utterson visits Jekyll’s lawyer, Mr. Poole, to obtain a copy of Jekyll’s will. The will reveals that Jekyll has left his entire estate to Hyde, a provision that deeply shocks Utterson. This seemingly irrational act intensifies Utterson's suspicions about the true nature of Hyde and his connection to Jekyll. The will acts as a crucial plot device, foreshadowing the events that will unfold and further highlighting the enigma that surrounds Dr. Jekyll. The unusual will emphasizes Jekyll’s peculiar relationship with Hyde, strengthening the suspense and leaving the reader anticipating future developments.

Symbolism and Themes: Unpacking the Subtext

Chapter 2 isn't just about recounting a story; it's rich with symbolism and subtly introduces several key themes that underpin the entire novel.

• The Door: The description of the door leading to Hyde's laboratory is particularly symbolic. It's described as being plain and unremarkable, yet it represents a gateway to the hidden, darker aspects of human nature. This emphasizes the idea of duality, a key theme in the novel. The door itself serves as a physical representation of the boundary between the respectable façade of Jekyll and the hidden, monstrous nature of Hyde.

• Hyde's Appearance: Hyde's physical description—"small, lean, and clearly deformed"—is highly significant. It isn't merely a physical description but a symbolic representation of evil. His ugliness isn't just superficial; it's an outward manifestation of his inner depravity. Stevenson uses physical deformity to represent moral corruption, associating Hyde's physical repulsiveness with his immoral actions.

• Money and Morality: The significant amount of money Hyde uses to settle the incident is another significant symbolic element. It highlights the corrupting influence of wealth and its potential to conceal or mitigate even the most heinous crimes. This suggests that money can act as a shield, protecting Hyde from the consequences of his actions.

• Duality of Human Nature: The contrast between Jekyll’s respectable persona and Hyde's monstrous nature is a clear manifestation of the novel's central theme: the duality of human nature. The chapter sets the stage for exploring the complex interplay between good and evil, conscience and transgression, within a single individual.

• Secrecy and Repression: The secretive nature of the events and Jekyll's attempts to cover up Hyde's actions highlight the theme of secrecy and repression. The characters' attempts to conceal the truth suggest a deeper unease with confronting the darker aspects of human nature. The characters' reticence reinforces the notion that society often prefers to ignore uncomfortable truths rather than confront them.

Literary Devices: Enhancing the Narrative

Stevenson masterfully employs several literary devices to create suspense and intrigue in this chapter. The use of foreshadowing is evident in the will's unusual provisions, hinting at future catastrophes. The repetition of Enfield's detailed description of Hyde's appearance emphasizes his unsettling nature, creating a sense of unease and lingering suspicion.

The contrast between Jekyll’s respectable lifestyle and Hyde’s brutality is stark, further emphasizing the duality theme. The narrative voice is detached and observational, allowing the reader to draw their own conclusions and intensify the suspense. Stevenson’s use of language – often precise and economical – conveys the unsettling nature of the events efficiently.

Chapter 2: A Turning Point

Chapter 2 serves as a crucial turning point in the novel. It sets the stage for the unfolding mystery, introduces the central conflict, and establishes the key themes that will drive the narrative forward. The events of this chapter are not merely incidents; they are carefully crafted pieces of a larger puzzle that will progressively unveil the complex relationship between Jekyll and Hyde.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Why is the check so important? The check highlights the inexplicable connection between Jekyll and Hyde, indicating either Jekyll's complicity or his desperate attempts to shield Hyde from the consequences of his actions. The disproportionate amount suggests a deeper, more sinister relationship.

• What is the significance of Hyde's physical appearance? Hyde's appearance is symbolic, representing the outwardly repulsive nature of inner evil. His deformed physique mirrors his moral corruption, highlighting the connection between physical form and moral character.

• What is the role of Utterson in this chapter? Utterson acts as the inquisitive detective figure, his investigation driving the plot forward and providing a rational counterpoint to the increasingly mysterious events surrounding Jekyll and Hyde. His loyalty to Jekyll is tested, foreshadowing future conflicts.

• What is the significance of the will? The will serves as a significant plot device, foreshadowing future events and providing an undeniable link between Jekyll and Hyde, despite the drastic differences in their personalities and appearances.

• What are the key themes introduced in Chapter 2? The key themes introduced in Chapter 2 are duality of human nature, secrecy and repression, the corrupting influence of wealth, and the interconnectedness between moral and physical corruption.

Conclusion: Unraveling the Enigma

Chapter 2 of Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is pivotal. It amplifies the initial mystery surrounding Mr. Hyde, revealing the crucial connection between him and the respected Dr. Jekyll. Through careful crafting of events, symbols, and character interactions, Stevenson lays the groundwork for the unfolding drama, skillfully building suspense and leaving the reader eagerly anticipating the unraveling of the complex enigma at the novel's heart. The chapter's effectiveness lies in its ability to both intrigue and unsettle, planting seeds of doubt and suspicion that will blossom into the story's thrilling climax. By carefully analyzing the events and symbolism within this crucial chapter, one gains a deeper understanding of the novel's central themes and appreciates the narrative skill of Robert Louis Stevenson.