Jekyll + Hyde: Summary of Chapters 1-3
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CHAPTER 1:
When Utterson and Enfield are on a walk, Enfield recollects a story about one of the houses they walk past — specifically recalling the story as they pass the back door entrance of a house which, as it turns out, belongs to Utterson’s close friend, Dr Henry Jekyll.
In the story, a man (whom we later learn is Hyde) tramples a young girl and is confronted by Enfield, along with a crowd of other people. Hyde draws a sense of instant disgust from anyone who encounters him, and even the ‘Sawbones’, an older term for a doctor, shows anger at Hyde’s appearance and behaviour. When confronted, Hyde goes into the backdoor of Dr Jekyll’s house and comes back out with a cheque to compensate the young girl, in an attempt to convince everybody to ignore the crime. This event seems unusual as, while Hyde is clearly a villainous and unpleasant man, Dr Jekyll is a respected member of society.
KEY IDEAS:
Hyde is an unusual figure who is hated by most people in Victorian society
Hyde is a mysterious man with a curious past and strange urges and motives
Hyde and Jekyll have some form of link, despite their significant differences
Utterson is a kind, empathetic figure who has a good sense of moral decency
CHAPTER 2:
Utterson, who is troubled by the story, remembers the name ‘Hyde’ from his professional documents. He goes into his office and reads the will of Jekyll, finding a clause that states that all Jekyll’s possessions are to be left to Hyde in the event of his death (Hyde is the ‘beneficiary’ of Jekyll’s will). This makes Utterson fear that Hyde is blackmailing or threatening Dr Jekyll.
Utterson then visits an old mutual friend — Dr. Lanyon — to find out more about Hyde. After being told that Lanyon hasn’t spoken to Jekyll in ten years, as the two had a significant falling out, he decides to obsessively monitor Jekyll’s back door for any sign of Hyde.
Utterson does encounter Hyde — who gives him an “impression of deformity” through his disconcerting appearance and behaviour — he seems panicked and makes excuses to leave quickly. Utterson tries to warn Jekyll about Hyde, as he fears that Hyde will try to kill Jekyll — however, he is told that Jekyll is unavailable to speak to him at this time.
Utterson learns from speaking with Poole that Hyde has his own key to Jekyll’s home, and the staff of the house are all under orders to obey him, as they would with Jekyll himself.
KEY IDEAS:
This chapter is key for building tension and mystery: the will and Hyde’s name being mentioned implies a deep connection between himself and Jekyll
Stevenson reveals some mysteries, but creates more: Lanyon and Jekyll have a mysterious disagreement; Jekyll is one of Utterson’s oldest friends but is clearly covering for Hyde
CHAPTER 3:
Two weeks later, at a dinner party hosted by Jekyll, Utterson stays behind to enquire further about the will.
Jekyll gets annoyed with Utterson, comparing his worry about the will to Lanyon’s views on medical science, which he criticises. However, after Utterson persists further, he reveals that the relationship between himself and Hyde is strange, but also that they are strongly bonded to one another. Jekyll is sure that he is in control of the relationship, stating “the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr Hyde”.
He then requests that Utterson should carry out the will as a lawyer rather than as a friend, meaning that he should approach the task professionally and allow Hyde to inherit everything of Jekyll’s in the event of his death. Utterson is still concerned for Jekyll but, for now, does not discuss Hyde further.
KEY IDEAS:
Jekyll seems fine on the surface, but acts strangely when pressed upon specific topics
Jekyll confirms the animosity between Lanyon and himself, adding that is is based around their views on medical science
He refuses to go into detail about Hyde, asking Utterson to remain professional
Third person limited perspective: we follow Utterson through the story, so we see his viewpoint, but the narrative voice is also objective and describes the events from a distance
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