Chapter 7 Analysis (Grade 12 NSC Matric English FAL): Revision Notes
Chapter 7 Analysis
Chapter overview: incident at the window
Chapter 7, titled "Incident at the Window", serves as a crucial turning point in the story where we witness Jekyll's deteriorating condition becoming visible to his friends. This chapter focuses on a brief but significant encounter between Dr Jekyll, Mr Utterson, and Mr Enfield that reveals the growing horror of Jekyll's situation.
Plot development and rising tension
The chapter takes place at Dr Jekyll's house, where several important events unfold that build dramatic tension throughout the narrative:
- Setting the scene: Mr Utterson and Mr Enfield are taking their regular Sunday walk when they pass by the back entrance to Dr Jekyll's house (the Black Mail Door)
- The window encounter: They notice Dr Jekyll sitting at an open window, looking pale and unwell
- Attempted conversation: Mr Utterson, showing genuine concern for his friend, invites Jekyll to join them for a walk
- The transformation moment: During their brief conversation, Jekyll's expression suddenly changes dramatically, and he quickly shuts the window
- The aftermath: Both Utterson and Enfield are left shocked and frightened by what they have witnessed
This chapter builds tension by showing us that Jekyll's condition is worsening and that his friends are beginning to witness the effects of his secret experiments. The brief nature of the encounter makes it all the more powerful and mysterious.
Key themes explored
Friendship and loyalty
The theme of genuine friendship is powerfully demonstrated through Mr Utterson's behaviour in this chapter. Despite the growing strangeness surrounding Jekyll, Utterson continues to show:
- Genuine concern: He visits Jekyll out of worry about his friend's wellbeing
- Practical care: He offers sensible advice, suggesting that Jekyll should get some exercise and fresh air
- Persistent loyalty: Even when Jekyll behaves oddly, Utterson doesn't abandon his friendship
This demonstrates how true friendship involves looking out for others even when they seem to be pushing you away.
Secrecy and its consequences
The theme of secrecy becomes increasingly prominent as we see its damaging effects:
- Inability to communicate: After witnessing Jekyll's disturbing transformation, both Utterson and Enfield struggle to express their thoughts and feelings
- Isolation: Jekyll's secrets are clearly causing him to become increasingly isolated from his friends
- Growing horror: The secrecy surrounding Jekyll's condition is creating fear and confusion among those who care about him
The chapter shows how keeping dangerous secrets can harm not only oneself but also the people who care about you. This is a central warning in Stevenson's narrative.
Tone and atmosphere
Stevenson skilfully uses different tones throughout this short chapter to create a powerful emotional impact:
Compassionate tone
- Utterson's concern for Jekyll creates a warm, caring atmosphere at the beginning
- The language emphasises friendship and genuine care between the characters
- This tone makes the later shift all the more dramatic
Gloomy and depressing tone
- Jekyll is described as looking like a "disconsolate prisoner", emphasising his sadness and isolation
- The setting is described as "full of premature twilight", creating a sense of approaching darkness
- Jekyll's own words reveal his deep depression when he says he is "very low"
Frightened and horrified tone
- The chapter ends with both witnesses experiencing genuine terror
- Utterson's exclamation "God, forgive us, God forgive us!" shows the depth of their shock
- The metaphor of their blood freezing captures the intensity of their fear
Figurative language techniques
Stevenson uses several powerful literary devices to enhance the chapter's impact:
Worked Example: Simile Analysis
"like some disconsolate prisoner"
Step 1: Identify the comparison Jekyll is being compared to an unhappy, trapped prisoner
Step 2: Analyse the effect This comparison emphasises Jekyll's trapped and unhappy state. He is imprisoned not by bars and walls, but by his own scientific experiments and the consequences of his choices.
Worked Example: Metaphor Analysis
"as froze the very blood of the two gentlemen"
Step 1: Identify the figurative meaning The characters' blood didn't literally freeze - this represents extreme fear
Step 2: Analyse the impact This metaphor powerfully conveys the extreme fear that Utterson and Enfield experience. Just as water turns to ice when frozen, their blood seems to stop flowing from shock and terror.
Worked Example: Symbolism Analysis
"full of premature twilight"
Step 1: Identify the symbol Twilight represents the end of the day
Step 2: Interpret the deeper meaning Here it symbolises that an ending is approaching. The word "premature" suggests that this ending is coming sooner than expected, hinting at Jekyll's impending doom.
Figurative expression
"the smile was struck out of his face" - This phrase means that Jekyll's facial expression changed suddenly and dramatically, as if someone had physically struck him. It emphasises the shocking nature of whatever Jekyll was thinking or feeling in that moment.
Character development
Mr Utterson's kindness
This chapter clearly demonstrates Utterson's compassionate nature through several actions:
- He takes time to visit Jekyll when he's concerned about him
- He invites Jekyll to join them for healthy exercise
- He shows patience when Jekyll declines his invitation
- Even after being frightened, he continues to care about his friend's wellbeing
Jekyll's deterioration
We can see clear signs that Jekyll's condition is rapidly worsening:
- His physical appearance is described as pale and sickly
- He admits to feeling "very low" emotionally
- He isolates himself from social contact
- Most importantly, he undergoes some kind of disturbing transformation that terrifies his friends
Key dialogue and its significance
The chapter includes important dialogue that reveals character relationships and builds tension:
Analyzing Key Dialogue
So you found it out, did you?" said Utterson. "But if that be so, we may step into the court and take a look at the window. To tell you the truth, I am uneasy about poor Jekyll; and even outside, I feel as if the presence of a friend might do him good.
This quote shows Utterson's genuine concern and his belief in the power of friendship to help someone in distress.
I am very low, Utterson," replied the doctor drearily, "very low. It will not last long, thank God.
Jekyll's response reveals both his deep depression and a hint that he knows his situation is approaching some kind of conclusion.
Chapter title significance
The title "Incident at the Window" is particularly appropriate because:
- The window serves as a barrier between Jekyll and the outside world
- It provides a glimpse into Jekyll's true condition while still maintaining some separation
- The "incident" refers to the disturbing transformation that Utterson and Enfield witness
- Windows often symbolise opportunities for connection, but here the window ultimately closes, representing Jekyll's increasing isolation
Exam tips
Critical Analysis Points
When analysing this chapter, remember to:
- Focus on the turning point: This chapter marks a crucial moment when Jekyll's friends begin to witness his transformation
- Analyse the contrast: Look at how the tone shifts from concern to horror
- Consider the symbolism: Pay attention to images like twilight, windows, and imprisonment
- Examine relationships: Notice how this chapter shows both the strength of friendship and the damage caused by secrecy
- Use textual evidence: Support your points with specific quotes from the dialogue and descriptions
Key Points to Remember:
- Chapter 7 shows Jekyll's condition becoming visible to his friends, marking a turning point in the story
- The themes of friendship and secrecy are powerfully contrasted through Utterson's loyalty and Jekyll's isolation
- Stevenson uses figurative language like similes and metaphors to create atmosphere and convey the characters' emotional states
- The title "Incident at the Window" effectively captures both the physical setting and the significance of what the characters witness
- This chapter demonstrates how secrets and isolation can damage relationships, even when friends try to offer support and care