Main characters of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde, Mr Utterson, Lanyon

in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

This audio tutorial looks at the allegorical function of characters, including the opposition of private and public selves; reputation and civility; materialism vs mysticism; science and rationalism; corruption and the supernatural. It analyses Utterson as embodiment of Victorian ideals of upper class, masculinity, control, suppression and order. Dr Lanyon as a minor plot character, but key in terms of character opposition to Dr Jekyll regarding materialism/rationality vs. Mysticism/sensation. Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde analysis including the function of the doppelganger motif: contrast, duality, sadism, urban life, scientific advancement, the Other, civility etc.