Explore how Stevenson presents the character of Utterson in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 13 - 2020 - Paper 1

Stevenson presents Utterson as a complex character who embodies a strict moral code. He is austere with himself, practicing self-denial by drinking gin only when alone to counter his taste for finer drinks. This suggests a conflicted personality that struggles with desire and moderation.

Utterson’s interactions with others reveal his inherent tolerance; he often reflects on the lives of those around him, showing a mix of curiosity and envy towards their more spirited existences. He is not judgmental about their misdeeds, as indicated by his inclination to help rather than reproach.

His famous remark on letting his brother 'go to the devil in his own way' underscores his belief in individual freedom and moral choice, although it might also reflect his own detachment from the chaos of life. The character serves as a moral anchor in the narrative, often contrasting with the more chaotic figures around him, further emphasizing his role as a repressed, yet fundamentally good, individual.

Overall, Stevenson crafts Utterson as a man of principles who struggles with outside influences and seeks to maintain a level of moral integrity amidst the tumult of Victorian society.