banter

How does Stevenson make the start of the novel tense and exciting?

At the beginning of the novella there is a lot of language and reference to buildings that makes the start of the novella tense and exciting, immediately making us as the reader get a sense of mystery .

The chapter which opens the secrets of this gripping novella is, ‘The Story of The Door’. Mr Enfield and Dr Utterson are taking their weekly stroll when Enfield recounts an earlier incident he tells the "very odd story" This significant moment in the chapter is where Hyde savagely tramples over a young girl, He doesn't stop to check on this poor child but keeps walking until he is stopped by witness’ that are at the scene at the time of this event. When he is dragged back to his victims body there is a crowd of people described as a "circle of such hateful faces" this tells us that everybody has a “dark” side to there character, even a doctor; who is a very well respected character in society, iis said to have taken a loathing to him. Also this act shows Hyde’s animalistic and brutish side. Furthermore in this chapter there is some more reference towards dual nature, not only in man but in its surroundings. One set of building is described with "two storeys high" little details like this reinforce a key theme.

Very early on Utterson discovers that there is a relation between Hyde and his other part, Jekyll. Utterson and Lanyon are Henry Jekyll's "two oldest friends" this is why Utterson feels compelled to explore further into the mystery of Jekyll and Hyde. After a torrid night where the "curtains of the bed plucked apart", showing an exposing of secrets, Utterson decides to take a post in the street. He waits patiently and eventually finds Edward Hyde, after his encounter with Hyde he fears the worst for his dear friend Jekyll. After questioning the butler about Hyde he discovers about regular sightings of Hyde but only in one side of the house and particularly the laboratory. This builds up tension because of the mysterious relation between Jekyll and Hyde.

Jekyll hosts a dinner party and invites Utterson, after the rest of the guests leave Utterson remarks that he has been learning about Hyde, he describes Hyde to Jekyll as "abominable." Although Utterson thinks he understands the relation between the two, Jekyll assures him that he does not and that he can get rid of Hyde at will. Utterson also says "I can pretend I shall ever like him" this quotation shows just how much he detests Edward Hyde.

Moreover in the opening chapters dual nature is not the only key theme. Another key theme in my opinion is that of anger and danger, not only does this create a certain atmosphere but enables you to understand some of the despicable acts of Hyde. "The street shone out in contrast to its dingy neighbourhood like a fire in a forest" these quotation shows that some of the places where events happen are very odd and stick out much like Edward Hyde. Also the word "fire" in this quotation is expressing a feeling of danger. Fire is a red colour and red is often associated with danger, also the properties of a fire means that is spreads, with the anger that a fire possesses it spreads this among it's surroundings. I think that is a metaphor for when people see Edward Hyde. This feeling of anger among the people makes every bit of the novella and exciting read.

All this is only in the opening chapters, by creating such an atmosphere to the beginning of the book it makes the reader want to read on. Every good book should do this in my opinion.

Jekyll hosts a dinner party and invites Utterson, after the rest of the guests leave Utterson remarks that he has been learning about Hyde, he describes Hyde to Jekyll as "abominable." Although Utterson thinks he understands the relation between the two, Jekyll assures him that he does not and that he can get rid of Hyde at will. Utterson also says "I can pretend I shall ever like him" this quotation shows just how much he detests Edward Hyde.

Finally in my opinion I think the start of the book creates so much excitement and tension that it is inevitable that you will read on. It makes you want to uncover the darkest secrets deep within the novella and explore the key themes of the book. Also to discover what Hyde will do next. However i think one of the main reasons why everyone wants to read on is to discover why Hyde performs such detestable acts.

By Sam Tovey 10THG