Gabriel Utterson (Scottish Highers English): Revision Notes
Gabriel Utterson
Gabriel Utterson is the narrator of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde and embodies the characteristics of a typical Victorian gentleman. Through him, Stevenson explores the tensions between reason and emotion, respectability and darker impulses.
Stevenson uses Utterson as the narrator to create a contrast between Victorian rationality and the supernatural events of the novel. This tension between the rational and irrational is central to understanding the novel's themes about human nature.
Utterson as a man of reason
Utterson is described as "a lover of the sane and customary sides of life". This quotation establishes him as someone who values order, logic and convention. The word "sane" suggests he approaches life through reason rather than emotion, while "customary" indicates his preference for what is socially acceptable and familiar. This characterisation makes him an effective narrator because his rational perspective contrasts with the supernatural events of the novel, creating tension and suspense.
As a lawyer, Utterson approaches the mystery of Jekyll and Hyde in the same methodical way he would approach a legal case. He weighs up evidence and attempts to reach a balanced evaluation based on observable facts. This professional mindset shapes how he interprets events throughout the novel. When Jekyll locks himself in the cabinet, Utterson concludes that his friend is suffering from a disease. He considers this a "plain and natural" explanation, rejecting Poole's theory of murder. The adjectives "plain" and "natural" reveal Utterson's commitment to rational explanations that fit within his understanding of the world.
Utterson's rationality has limitations. He is unwilling to consider any explanation that threatens to upset his logical worldview. This refusal to acknowledge the supernatural prevents him from understanding the true nature of Jekyll and Hyde until the very end. Stevenson uses this to show how rigid adherence to reason can blind people to uncomfortable truths.
Utterson is characterised as:
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Serious: He has "a rugged countenance, that was never lighted by a smile". The verb "lighted" suggests that a smile would transform his face, but this never happens. His seriousness reflects Victorian values of restraint and self-control.
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Reputable: He is described as "the last good influence in the lives of down-going men". The phrase "down-going" indicates moral decline, yet Utterson remains loyal to such people. This establishes him as someone who maintains his reputation while helping others who have lost theirs.
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Brave: He declares "I shall consider it my duty to break in that door". This statement shows his willingness to act decisively when necessary, despite the risks to his own safety or reputation.
The mystery disturbs him emotionally
Although Utterson seeks rational explanations, the disturbing nature of Hyde affects him on an emotional level. He doesn't suspect a supernatural explanation, but he is aware that something strange is happening.
After hearing Enfield's story about Hyde, Utterson experiences nightmares. He observes that Hyde has "engaged or rather enslaved" his imagination rather than affecting him on a purely intellectual level. The verb "enslaved" is particularly strong, suggesting that Hyde has taken control of Utterson's mind against his will. The correction from "engaged" to "enslaved" emphasises the involuntary nature of this obsession. This language shows that Hyde's influence operates beyond the realm of reason, disturbing Utterson's usually controlled emotional state.
When Utterson meets Hyde for the first time, he feels "mental perplexity". This phrase indicates confusion and uncertainty. The word "mental" shows that Utterson experiences this as an intellectual problem he cannot solve, while "perplexity" suggests he is genuinely puzzled. This confusion arises because it is impossible to use reason alone to understand something that has a supernatural explanation. Stevenson uses this to demonstrate the limits of rational thinking when confronted with the irrational.
The memory of Hyde makes Utterson feel a "shudder in his blood". This physical response is involuntary and visceral. The phrase suggests that Hyde's supernatural nature is powerful enough to penetrate Utterson's defences and affect his emotions, which he usually tries to control. The reference to "blood" connects the feeling to something physical and instinctive rather than intellectual. This shows how Hyde challenges Utterson's carefully maintained self-control.
His curiosity about Hyde
There is something about Hyde that particularly affects Utterson. He experiences "a singularly strong, almost an inordinate, curiosity" to see Hyde. The word "singularly" emphasises that this feeling is unusual for Utterson, while "inordinate" suggests it is excessive or beyond normal bounds. This language indicates that Utterson's response to Hyde is out of character, hinting at deeper psychological forces at work.
Utterson acts on this curiosity with determination. He waits outside the door "by all lights and at all hours", suggesting persistent, even obsessive behaviour. This dedication is unusual for someone normally so restrained and controlled.
Utterson's Role as Narrator
Without Utterson's interest in the mystery, the reader would never discover the truth about Jekyll and Hyde. Stevenson makes Utterson the narrator precisely because his curiosity drives the investigation forward. His methodical approach allows readers to piece together the mystery alongside him, creating suspense and engagement with the plot.
However, there are several reasons why Utterson is so interested in Hyde:
Concern for reputation: To Utterson, maintaining reputation is extremely important. He is shocked that Jekyll is willing to harm his own reputation for Hyde's sake. This puzzles him because it goes against everything he values about Victorian society. Utterson wants to discover why Jekyll is doing this so that he can help him. His motivation here is protective rather than merely curious.
Frustration with mystery: Utterson is frustrated by the mystery surrounding Hyde and wants to use reason to solve it. He believes that if he can see Hyde's face, the mystery will roll away if it is "well examined". The verb phrase "roll away" suggests that the mystery is like fog or clouds that will naturally disperse once light is shone on them. This metaphor reveals Utterson's faith in rational observation and analysis. However, this proves to be misplaced confidence, as seeing Hyde does not solve the mystery at all.
Connection to his darker side: It is possible that Utterson sees something of his own darker side in Hyde and is strangely drawn to him. The adverb "strangely" indicates that this attraction is inexplicable and perhaps disturbing to Utterson himself. As the reader is also made to feel curious about the mystery surrounding Hyde, Stevenson may be suggesting that we are all drawn to the darker side of life and can recognise the temptation of it. This interpretation connects Utterson's character to the novel's central theme about human nature.
His obsession with reputation
Utterson is deeply concerned with maintaining respectability, order and propriety. When Poole asks Utterson for help and takes him back to Jekyll's house, Utterson calls the servants' distress at Jekyll's behaviour "very unseemly". The adjective "unseemly" reveals his disapproval of behaviour that lacks proper decorum. Even in a crisis, Utterson's first concern is with maintaining appropriate appearances.
He is acutely aware of the importance of reputation, which explains his concern for Jekyll's good name. After Carew's murder, Utterson's immediate worry is that Jekyll's name might appear at the trial. The quotation "If your master...is dead, we may at least save his credit" demonstrates that even when faced with Jekyll's apparent death, Utterson prioritises reputation above all else. The phrase "at least save his credit" suggests this is a minimum goal worth achieving even if Jekyll himself cannot be saved. The word "credit" refers to reputation and good standing in society. This shows how Utterson's values reflect Victorian society's emphasis on public respectability.
Utterson's commitment to propriety sometimes hampers his ability to solve the mystery. He refuses to gossip or go against his sense of restraint to discover the truth. When he receives Lanyon's letter, he does not read it out of "professional honour". This phrase indicates his commitment to legal and professional ethics, but it also means he misses an opportunity to learn the truth about Jekyll and Hyde. Stevenson uses this to show how Victorian values of discretion and honour can prevent people from confronting difficult truths.
The truth about Jekyll and Hyde is far more shocking than Utterson suspects. The appearance of respectability hides a much darker truth about the reality of human nature. Stevenson uses Utterson's focus on reputation to explore the novel's central theme about the dual nature of man. The emphasis on maintaining appearances creates the conditions in which Jekyll feels compelled to hide his darker impulses, ultimately leading to tragedy.
His tolerance of man's darker side
Although reputation is important to Utterson, he isn't judgemental. This tolerance sets him apart from the more rigid Victorian gentlemen who might condemn anyone who falls short of social standards.
Utterson is loyal to those who get into trouble and actively tries to help them. He tells Jekyll that "Carew was my client, but so are you". This quotation shows that Utterson does not withdraw his support from Jekyll even when he suspects his friend may be involved in a murder. The parallel structure "was my client, but so are you" balances the claims of the dead man and the living one, showing that Utterson remains committed to Jekyll despite the circumstances. Even though Utterson plays by society's rules, he is understanding when people fall foul of them. This makes him more sympathetic than many Victorian gentlemen who would immediately distance themselves from scandal.
Stevenson uses Utterson's tolerance to suggest that if Victorian society were more accepting of human weakness, there would be less need for people like Jekyll to hide their darker desires. Utterson's human side shows itself in the "acts of his life" — particularly his tolerance. This suggests that moral character should be judged by actions and compassion rather than mere adherence to social rules.
Utterson has a complicated attitude towards his own dark side:
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Although his past was "fairly blameless", he feels bad for what he views as the "many ill things" he has done. Like Jekyll, Utterson sets himself high standards by avoiding what he considers sinful behaviour. The qualification "fairly" suggests his past was not entirely without fault, and the phrase "many ill things" indicates he dwells on minor transgressions. This reveals the psychological burden of trying to maintain Victorian moral standards.
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He has been tempted to sin and feels a strange "envy" for those who can indulge in their misdeeds. The word "envy" is telling — it shows that part of Utterson desires the freedom to behave as he wishes. However, he doesn't want to harm his reputation, so he feels grateful to have avoided committing more sins. This internal conflict mirrors Jekyll's own struggle, suggesting that even the most respectable Victorian gentlemen experienced tension between their desires and social expectations.
He represses his desires
Utterson is described as "austere". This means he is strict with himself and doesn't allow himself many pleasures. For example, he enjoys the theatre but hasn't been to one for twenty years. This detail is striking because it shows the extreme level of self-denial Utterson practises. He denies himself something harmless that he actually enjoys, purely as a matter of self-discipline. This reflects the Victorian emphasis on controlling one's appetites and desires.
He doesn't smile much and is described as "cold" and "dreary". These adjectives create an impression of emotional reserve and distance. He has a more human side but doesn't let it show in his speech. This suggests that Utterson's personality has been shaped and constrained by his adherence to Victorian values of self-control.
People enjoy his company because his "rich silence" is calming after the "strain" of making light-hearted conversation. The oxymoron "rich silence" suggests that Utterson's quietness has depth and substance. The word "strain" indicates that Victorian social interaction required considerable effort and performance. Utterson's silent presence offers relief from this social performance, making him a model of Victorian restraint.
Stevenson's Critique of Victorian Repression
These negative descriptions could be seen as criticising the way Victorian gentlemen repressed their emotions. Stevenson may be suggesting that this level of emotional control is unhealthy and unnatural. By presenting Utterson as cold and dreary despite his moral goodness, Stevenson hints that Victorian values of restraint come at a personal cost.
Key Points to Remember:
- Utterson embodies Victorian rationality and approaches the mystery like a legal case, relying on evidence and logic rather than intuition or emotion.
- Despite his commitment to reason, the supernatural nature of Hyde affects Utterson emotionally, causing him nightmares and making him feel a "shudder in his blood".
- Utterson is obsessed with maintaining reputation and respectability, demonstrated by his concern to "save his credit" even after Jekyll's apparent death.
- His tolerance of others' failings contrasts with his strict self-discipline, revealing the complexity of Victorian attitudes towards morality and human weakness.
- Utterson's repression of his own desires and emotions reflects Victorian values of restraint, which Stevenson critiques as unhealthy and potentially damaging.