Form, structure and language - EduqasUse of form in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
The form, structure and language reveals how Stevenson presented his novel to his readers - his intentions and what he was trying to make the reader think and feel.
The form of a text is the type of text you are reading. In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson chooses to write in the novel form, uses the features of the Gothic genre, and primarily uses a third-person limted perspective, focusing on Utterson. It also includes the first-person narratives of Dr Lanyon and Dr Jekyll.
The Gothic - a literary genre originating from the 18th century, which describes a sinister, grotesque or mysterious atmosphere. Such novels are often set in dark places or ruined buildings.
Stevenson's choice of London as his setting suggests that the rapidly changing city was becoming to some of its inhabitants a strange and frightening place.
Third-person perspectives – a narrative which is told by an often anonymous voice, speaking about the events that happen to the characters within the story. In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson uses third-person narrative meaning the reader does not discover things until the character knows them. The reader uncovers the mystery at the same time as Utterson.
First-person perspectives – a narrative which is told from a specific character's viewpoint using 'I'. In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson includes first-person narratives from Dr Lanyon and Dr Jekyll at the end of the novel.
Question
Why does Stevenson focus his third-person narration on the perspective of Utterson? What effect does this have for the reader?
Create surprise - through the third-person perspective the reader does not get told things in the story until Utterson knows them.
Build tension for the reader - the third-person persepective ensures the reader gradually uncovers the mystery at the same time as the focus character, until the truth about Mr Hyde is finally revealed in the first-person accounts at the end of the novel.