GCSE English Literature Revision | Jekyll and Hyde | Chapter 2 Search for Mr Hyde| | Examiner Advice

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One reason Stevenson does not provide a clear physical description of Mr. Hyde is to enhance the mysterious and eerie atmosphere of the story. By leaving the appearance of Mr. Hyde ambiguous, Stevenson allows readers to use their imagination, contributing to the sense of horror and suspense. The story is presented from the perspective of Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, a lawyer and friend of Dr. Henry Jekyll. Utterson gradually unravels the mystery surrounding the dual nature of Jekyll and Hyde through a series of documents and testimonies. The lack of a detailed physical description of Mr. Hyde allows readers to project their fears and apprehensions onto the character, making him a more potent symbol of the darker aspects of human nature. Furthermore, the ambiguity surrounding Mr. Hyde's appearance serves the thematic purpose of highlighting the duality of human nature. By not explicitly describing Hyde, Stevenson underscores the idea that Hyde represents the hidden, uncontrollable, and darker side of Dr. Jekyll. The absence of a clear physical description allows readers to focus on the psychological and moral dimensions of the characters' struggle.

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