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Explore how Stevenson presents characters pretending to be something they are not, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
Explore how Stevenson presents characters pretending to be something they are not, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel. In this extract Utterson remains behi... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explore how Stevenson presents characters pretending to be something they are not, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explore how Stevenson presents characters pretending to be something they are not, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel.
Answer
In this extract, the character of Utterson embodies the theme of pretense through his interactions with Dr. Jekyll. Despite his kind and hearty disposition, Utterson is seen navigating the complexities of social appearances versus hidden truths. This is highlighted in the dinner setting, where the atmosphere is filled with joviality, yet carries an underlying tension regarding Jekyll's concealed realities.
Furthermore, Jekyll himself epitomizes the conflict of identity. He appears as a reputable doctor among his friends but is ensnared in his secret life as Mr. Hyde. The contrast between societal expectations and personal truths is a central theme in Stevenson’s narrative. Through Utterson's concerns about Jekyll’s welfare, we witness the struggle of maintaining societal appearances while grappling with inner turmoil. This duality reinforces the idea that characters often hide their true selves for the sake of social acceptance, echoing the broader societal pressures of the Victorian era.