Chapter 4 of M hyde and dr jekyll

At the beginning of chapter 4 in the book Mr Hyde and Dr Jekyll how is an atmosphere of tension created

The time jump "nearly a year later" creates a sense of unfamiliarity and intrigue, which is suspenseful. The fact that we immediately find out about the crime "London was startled by a crime of singular ferocity and rendered all the more notable by the high position of the victim" also creates tension, as the reader is apprehensively waiting to learn the details whilst knowing the outcome, which is a common trope in gothic literature. Additionally, the fact that "she paid less attention" to the "very small gentleman" builds suspense as the reader knows him to be Hyde and so realises she should be paying attention to him as he will likely be the murderer. Finally, the setting of night creates he atmosphere, as does the maid's removal from the situation, watching from afar, as it creates a sense of secrecy (as does the imagery of the moon).

There's more, but I thought that was a good start.

Reply 2

Test_06

OP

4

Original post by skittish

The time jump "nearly a year later" creates a sense of unfamiliarity and intrigue, which is suspenseful. The fact that we immediately find out about the crime "London was startled by a crime of singular ferocity and rendered all the more notable by the high position of the victim" also creates tension, as the reader is apprehensively waiting to learn the details whilst knowing the outcome, which is a common trope in gothic literature. Additionally, the fact that "she paid less attention" to the "very small gentleman" builds suspense as the reader knows him to be Hyde and so realises she should be paying attention to him as he will likely be the murderer. Finally, the setting of night creates he atmosphere, as does the maid's removal from the situation, watching from afar, as it creates a sense of secrecy (as does the imagery of the moon).

There's more, but I thought that was a good start.

Thanks so much, this was really helpful

Reply 3

Test_06

OP

4

Original post by skittish

The time jump "nearly a year later" creates a sense of unfamiliarity and intrigue, which is suspenseful. The fact that we immediately find out about the crime "London was startled by a crime of singular ferocity and rendered all the more notable by the high position of the victim" also creates tension, as the reader is apprehensively waiting to learn the details whilst knowing the outcome, which is a common trope in gothic literature. Additionally, the fact that "she paid less attention" to the "very small gentleman" builds suspense as the reader knows him to be Hyde and so realises she should be paying attention to him as he will likely be the murderer. Finally, the setting of night creates he atmosphere, as does the maid's removal from the situation, watching from afar, as it creates a sense of secrecy (as does the imagery of the moon).

There's more, but I thought that was a good start

What would be a quote with a more high level techniques that is used

Reply 4

Foreverneek

14

Consider the use of pathetic fallacy with the 'fog' adding to the reader's impression of London's criminality, the weather creating an atmosphere in which visibility is low, providing unsavoury characters in London with anonymity, and the truth is obscured.

The moon is also symbolic of inconstancy and lunacy and could, perhaps, be considered a reflection of Hyde's irrationality which goes against Victorian expectations of civility and control. Furthermore, the moon is a symbol which connotes the supernatural, also hinting at Hyde and his unnatural origins and monstrous character. Specifically, the full moon is associated with Gothic monsters such a werewolves who have a dual form (animal as well as human), linking to Jekyll's relationship with Hyde, as well as Stevenson's characterisation of Hyde as a man driven by primitive needs.

Chapter 4 of M hyde and dr jekyll

Quick Reply

Related discussions

Latest

Trending

Trending

Articles for you