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Robert Louis Stevenson: The Strange Case of Dr - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 1
Robert Louis Stevenson: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Read the following extract from Chapter 8 (The Last Night) of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Robert Louis Stevenson: The Strange Case of Dr - AQA - GCSE English Literature - Question 1 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
How Stevenson uses settings in this extract
Answer
In this extract, Stevenson utilizes various elements of the setting to create a disturbing and threatening atmosphere. The description of the weather is particularly evocative, with the 'wild, cold' March night setting a tone of discomfort and unease. The 'pale moon' and 'flying wrack' suggest instability, enhancing the characters' sense of foreboding.
Furthermore, the empty streets and deserted landscape highlight a sense of isolation. Utterson’s observation that he has 'never seen that part of London so deserted' emphasizes his discomfort and growing anxiety about Dr. Jekyll's well-being.
Stevenson also uses imagery of nature to reflect the chaos within. The wind is depicted as 'talking difficult,' indicating hostility in the environment that mirrors the characters' inner turmoil. The 'sharply aware' feeling Utterson experiences signifies a heightened state of alertness, underscoring the anxiety that pervades this scene.
Finally, the interaction between Utterson and Poole serves to further enhance this atmosphere. Their dialogue is filled with concern, and the repeated references to fear suggest that something ominous is lurking. This tension between the characters and the environment enriches the text, making the atmosphere decisively unsettling.
Step 2
How Stevenson uses settings to create a disturbing and threatening atmosphere in the novel as a whole
Answer
Throughout the novel, Stevenson employs setting as a critical device to evoke a sense of dread and foreboding. The contrast between the refined areas representing Dr. Jekyll's social standing and the darker, squalid parts of London reflects the duality of his character. Locations such as the sinister lodgings of Mr. Hyde symbolize the darker aspects of human nature.
Moreover, the use of fog and darkness in London acts as a metaphor for confusion and moral ambiguity. It embodies the secrets and the hidden side of humanity, encapsulated in the struggles of the characters. This pervasive use of unsettling settings culminates in an ongoing sense of menace, ultimately revealing the struggle between good and evil.
In summary, Stevenson’s manipulation of settings throughout the narrative not only creates a visually strange world but also serves to mirror the internal conflicts of the characters, particularly that of Jekyll and Hyde.