Knowledge Builders

what happens in chapter 2 of jekyll and hyde

by Felton Keeling Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

Chapter 2 - Search for Mr Hyde
He takes the will of his friend Dr Jekyll from his safe. It contains a worrying instruction: in the event of Dr Jekyll's disappearance, all his possessions are to go to Mr Hyde. Utterson decides to visit Dr Lanyon, an old friend of his and Dr Jekyll's.

Full Answer

Why is Hyde smaller than Jekyll?

Why is Hyde smaller than Jekyll? Jekyll has spent most of his life trying to be good and doing good things. So naturally his evil side isn’t all that big. Because of that, Hyde is smaller and younger than Jekyll. Hyde is younger because the evil part of Jekyll hasn’t been used as much and isn’t as tired as the good.

Is Dr jekell and Mr. Hyde considered a mystery?

‘The strange case of Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde’ is a mystery novel written by Robert Louis Stevenson in 1886. At the time it was written, the Victorians that read it would have been shocked at the events that unfolded as the story progressed.

What is the plot of 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde'?

It tells the story of a mild-mannered doctor named Henry Jekyll who drinks a serum that causes him to turn into Edward Hyde, a man who is controlled by his baser instincts. While its plot was a bit fantastic and outlandish for the time, the book was very much inspired by real life events ( sans magic potions).

Is "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" a typical Gothic novel?

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a classic of late Victorian Gothic. Just a glance at the little wordle I've created shows just how the novel fits neatly into this category. But for those of you not sure about what Gothic is then here's a brief explanation.

image

Who is the butler in Jekyll's house?

Utterson is admitted into Jekyll’s home by Jekyll’s butler, Mr. Poole, but Jekyll is not at home. Poole tells Utterson that Hyde has a key to the laboratory and that all the servants have orders to obey Hyde. The lawyer heads home, worrying about his friend. He assumes Hyde is blackmailing Jekyll, perhaps for some wrongdoings ...

Who does Utterson visit to investigate Jekyll's behavior?

Seeking to unravel the mystery, he pays a visit to Dr. Lanyon, a friend of Jekyll’s.

What does Hyde offer Utterson?

Hyde then offers Utterson his address, which the lawyer interprets as a sign that Hyde eagerly anticipates the death of Jekyll and the execution of his will. After this encounter, Utterson pays a visit to Jekyll.

Why does Utterson ask Hyde to show his face?

Hyde, keeping his head down, returns his greetings. He asks Hyde to show him his face, so that he will know him if he sees him again; Hyde complies, and, like Enfield before him, Utterson feels appalled and horrified yet cannot pinpoint exactly what makes Hyde so ugly.

How does Utterson behave in the book?

However, unlike most detectives, he faces a gulf between what seems to be the factual evidence of the case and the supernatural reality behind it. This gulf is apparent in Utterson’s reading of the will, for instance. On the face of it, Jekyll’s stipulation that all his property be handed over to Hyde and his later horror at the thought of Utterson “learning something of young Hyde” seem to point squarely at blackmail of some sort. Of course, Utterson never imagines the situation that lies behind these behaviors. Similarly, the will’s reference to “death or disappearance ” (emphasis added) makes Utterson immediately think of the possibility of murder. The idea that Jekyll could literally transform himself into another and thereby disappear simply does not occur to Utterson, as it would not occur to any rational person. Utterson’s failure to detect the truth does not demonstrate any failure in logic.

What is the name of the building that Hyde frequents?

At this point, we learn what Utterson himself has known all along: namely, that the run-down building that Hyde frequents is actually a laboratory attached to Jekyll’s well-kept townhouse, which faces outward on a parallel street. Utterson is admitted into Jekyll’s home by Jekyll’s butler, Mr. Poole, but Jekyll is not at home.

What does Hyde symbolize in Utterson's dreams?

This idea of Hyde as a universal presence suggests that this faceless figure, crushing children and standing by Jekyll’s bed, symbolizes all the secret sins that lurk beneath the surface of respectable London.

Why is Utterson concerned about Dr. Jekyll's will?

Prior to learning of Mr. Hyde 's violence, Utterson has been concerned about Dr. Jekyll 's will because it is odd. He can think of no good reason for Jekyll to give everything he owns to Hyde. But now after hearing the story of the girl Hyde trampled on the street, Utterson's concern has grown. In a way this event foreshadows Jekyll's eventual exposure as Mr. Hyde, because already people are making connections between the two men. From this point on, it is extreme arrogance for Jekyll to continue transitioning between the two identities, and yet he does.

Where does Utterson live in Jekyll and Hyde?

While he searches for Hyde, Utterson moves through London. However, the London through which he walks is not a literal London. There was no "Gaunt Street" at the time, and the paths Utterson walks don't match actual London geography. Instead, as Mighall has indicated, this should be treated as an allegorical and symbolic city. Read this way, the street where Utterson lives symbolizes his "gaunt" character. Similarly, it is appropriate that Jekyll inhabits a section of the city where "ancient, handsome houses" exist in a state of decay, divided into units for "all sorts and conditions of men," including "shady lawyers, and the agents of obscure enterprises." Jekyll is by this point a divided, shady, and obscure fellow. Some readers, including G. K. Chesterton, have claimed that this London should be read as Stevenson 's home town of Edinburgh, which is sharply divided into two sections, the old and the new.

What is disturbing about Hyde?

The section in which Utterson stands still and tries to identify what specifically is disturbing about Hyde's appearance is telling. He can identify some contributing elements: he sees Hyde as both visibly marked by sin and like a caveman. Hyde is both evil and evolutionarily inferior. But as Utterson indicates, there is more. There's a mismatch between the soul and the flesh that make up Hyde. This description is also a fine example of what Freud called "the uncanny," a quality common to Gothic literature. When a text evokes the uncanny, readers encounter something that blurs distinctions between the real and the unreal. This is finally what makes Hyde so disturbing and why Utterson's dreams do a better job of pinning down Hyde's nature than his conscious mind can.

What does Utterson think of Hyde's face?

Once Utterson sees Hyde's face, he speculates on what makes it so distasteful. He concludes that it bears "Satan's signature" and is marked by "something troglodytic." Utterson then goes to visit his friend Henry Jekyll who lives close by, but Jekyll's servant, Poole, tells him Jekyll isn't home. Utterson tells Poole he saw Hyde enter through the "dissecting room door" and asks if it is okay. Poole tells Utterson it is common: Hyde has a key. This troubles Utterson and makes him more certain than ever that something is wrong in Jekyll's life, and he wonders whether "the ghost of some old sin" has returned to haunt Jekyll. For that to happen, Jekyll would have to have committed some serious sin in the past. This foreshadows the final chapter when Jekyll admits his history of immoral acts.

What did Hyde do in the first chapter?

If we now examine the actions of Hyde, we will see that in the first Chapter, he knocked a girl down without any twinge of guilt. He made no deliberate attempt to harm the girl — there was no deliberate maliciousness or cruelty. Stevenson uses the phrase "like a Juggernaut," a word which suggests that Hyde's action was one of complete indifference — not an evil-conceived, satanic act. In fact, Hyde stood by and took (or assumed) complete responsibility for his actions and made recompense fully commensurate with his cruel act.

What does Utterson think of Jekyll after he leaves?

After Utterson leaves, he is stunned; he is absolutely convinced that his old friend Jekyll "is in deep waters"; perhaps the doctor is being haunted by "the ghost of some old sin, the cancer of some concealed disgrace." His thoughts return again to Mr. Hyde; he is positive that Hyde has "secrets of his own — black secrets." He must warn Jekyll; he feels that if Hyde knew the contents of Jekyll's will, he would not hesitate to murder the good doctor.

What does Hyde say to Utterson?

Jekyll's, and Hyde coldly tells him that Jekyll is away. Utterson asks to see Hyde's face clearly, and Hyde consents if Utterson will explain how he knew him. "We have common friends," Utterson says. Hyde is not convinced, and with a snarling, savage laugh, he accuses Utterson of lying. Then, with a sudden jerk, he unlocks the door and disappears inside.

What does "like a juggernaut" mean?

Stevenson uses the phrase "like a Juggernaut," a word which suggests that Hyde's action was one of complete indifference — not an evil-conceived, satanic act. In fact, Hyde stood by and took (or assumed) complete responsibility for his actions and made recompense fully commensurate with his cruel act.

Does Hyde have a sense of deformity?

Enfield was right; Hyde does have a sense of "deformity . . . a sort of murderous mixture of timidity and boldness.". Utterson realizes that until now he has never felt such loathing; the man seemed "hardly human.".

Who opens the door in the second house in the block?

Sadly, Utterson goes around the corner and knocks at the second house in the block. The door is opened by Poole, Dr. Jekyll's elderly servant, who takes the lawyer in to wait by the fire. Utterson surveys the room, "the pleasantest room in London.".

Is Hyde a part of Jekyll?

In fact, Hyde is all of these, but what we never suspect is that he is also a part of Dr. Jekyll. Mr. Utterson's opinion of Hyde conforms essentially to Enfield's view of Hyde. Utterson also sees him as "dwarfish," and he says that Hyde "gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation.".

Plot and Action

Plot summary: What happens in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?

Chapter two: Search for Mr Hyde

At home, Utterson reads over Dr Jekyll’s strange will. It states that if Jekyll dies or disappears, Hyde shall take over his life and possessions.

Who is the author of chapter 2 of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

Stevenson, R . (1886). “Chapter 2: The Search for Mr. Hyde”. The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Lit2Go Edition). Retrieved November 24, 2021, from https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/207/the-strange-case-of-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4554/chapter-2-the-search-for-mr-hyde/

Who said "now I shall know you again"?

“Now I shall know you again,” said Mr. Utterson. “It may be useful.”

Plot summary: What happens in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?

Utterson looks after Jekyll’s will, which leaves all Jekyll’s possessions to Hyde in the case of Jekyll’s death or disappearance. Disturbed, Utterson visits Lanyon, a colleague and friend of Jekyll. Lanyon has not heard of Hyde, and says he has fallen out with Jekyll. Utterson waits near the door until he manages to see and speak to Hyde.

Chapter 2 – The search for Hyde

Utterson looks after Jekyll’s will, which leaves all Jekyll’s possessions to Hyde in the case of Jekyll’s death or disappearance. Disturbed, Utterson visits Lanyon, a colleague and friend of Jekyll. Lanyon has not heard of Hyde, and says he has fallen out with Jekyll. Utterson waits near the door until he manages to see and speak to Hyde.

Some time later

Utterson meets Mr. Hyde at Dr. Jekyll's dissecting room door, finds him repulsive.

Two months later

Lanyon dies after passing a letter to Utterson describing Mr. Hyde's transformation into Dr. Jekyll.

A short time later

Dr. Jekyll's written account explains his research and transformation.

image

1.Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde: Chapter 2 Summary & Analysis

Url:https://www.litcharts.com/lit/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/chapter-2

6 hours ago Hyde is afraid for a moment but answers to the name. Mr. Utterson introduces himself as a friend of Dr. Jekyll ’s but Mr. Hyde tells him that Dr. Jekyll is not inside. Utterson asks to see …

2.Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Chapters 2–3 Summary

Url:https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/jekyll/section2/

11 hours ago Summary — Chapter 2: “Search for Mr. Hyde” Utterson , prompted by his conversation with Enfield, goes home to study a will that he drew up for his close friend Dr. Jekyll . It states that in the …

3.Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Chapter 2 Summary | Course Hero

Url:https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Dr-Jekyll-and-Mr-Hyde/chapter-2-summary/

30 hours ago It leaves everything to Edward Hyde and says that if Jekyll disappears for three months or more, Hyde gets all Jekyll's possessions. Utterson worries the will might indicate madness or a …

4.Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - CliffsNotes

Url:https://www.cliffsnotes.com/literature/d/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/summary-and-analysis/chapter-2

11 hours ago Now, in Chapter 2, we are given Utterson's own private narration, in which we discover that he is not only a close friend to Dr. Henry Jekyll, but he is also the executor of Jekyll's will. Thus, …

5.Chapter two: Search for Mr Hyde Summary Dr Jekyll and …

Url:https://www.yorknotes.com/gcse/english-literature/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-2017/study/plot-and-action/00030000_chapter-two-search-for-mr-hyde

1 hours ago Summary — Chapter 2: “Search for Mr. Hyde” Utterson, prompted by his conversation with Enfield, goes home to study a will that he drew up for his close friend Dr. It states that in the event of …

6.“Chapter 2: The Search for Mr. Hyde” | The Strange Case …

Url:https://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/207/the-strange-case-of-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4554/chapter-2-the-search-for-mr-hyde/

11 hours ago It states that if Jekyll dies or disappears, Hyde shall take over his life and possessions. Utterson goes to visit a friend, Dr Hastie Lanyon, who knows Jekyll well. Lanyon has not heard of Hyde, …

7.Plot summary: What happens in The Strange Case of Dr …

Url:https://www.yorknotes.com/gcse/english-literature/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde-2017/study/plot-and-action/00010200_plot-summary-what-happens-in-the-strange-case-of-dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde

27 hours ago The will was holograph, for Mr. Utterson, though he took charge of it now that it was made, had refused to lend the least assistance in the making of it; it provided not only that, in case of the …

8.jekyll and hyde chapter 2 Flashcards | Quizlet

Url:https://quizlet.com/gb/549259062/jekyll-and-hyde-chapter-2-flash-cards/

17 hours ago Chapter 2 – The search for Hyde. Utterson looks after Jekyll’s will, which leaves all Jekyll’s possessions to Hyde in the case of Jekyll’s death or disappearance. Disturbed, Utterson visits …

9.Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Chapter Summaries | Course Hero

Url:https://www.coursehero.com/lit/Dr-Jekyll-and-Mr-Hyde/summaries/

6 hours ago 1 / 10. If he be Mr. Hyde,' he had thought, 'I shall be Mr. Seek.'. - In this statement Utterson is acknowledging the appropriateness of Edward Hyde's name. He is someone who hides or is …

10.Videos of What Happens In Chapter 2 of Jekyll and Hyde

Url:/videos/search?q=what+happens+in+chapter+2+of+jekyll+and+hyde&qpvt=what+happens+in+chapter+2+of+jekyll+and+hyde&FORM=VDRE

8 hours ago 11 rows · Chapter 2. Once he is home Mr. Utterson reviews Jekyll's will. It leaves everything to Edward ...

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9