The Reader Can Infer That Mr. Utterson

The figure of Mr. Utterson in Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde serves as more than just a narrative anchor; he is the lens through which the reader pieces together the unsettling mystery at the heart of the story. A careful examination of his actions, thoughts, and relationships allows us to infer a great deal about his character, his values, and the very nature of Victorian society he inhabits.

Utterson: A Study in Restraint and Rationality

Mr. Gabriel John Utterson, a lawyer by profession, is immediately presented as a man of considerable reserve. Stevenson paints him as "a man of a rugged countenance, that was never lighted by a smile; cold, scanty and embarrassed in discourse; backward in sentiment; lean, long, dusty, dreary and yet somehow lovable." This initial description emphasizes his stoicism and emotional constraint, qualities highly valued in Victorian gentlemen.

His restraint, however, doesn't equate to a lack of feeling. Instead, it suggests a deliberate control over his emotions, a conscious effort to maintain composure and rationality in a world often perceived as chaotic and unpredictable. We see this in his reaction to Enfield's tale of Hyde's brutal trampling of a young girl. While clearly disturbed, Utterson doesn't erupt in outrage or histrionics. He probes for details, seeks verification, and ultimately channels his concern into a more practical course of action – investigating the connection between Hyde and his friend, Dr. Jekyll.

Inferring his Values: Utterson’s actions reveal his core values:

• Loyalty: His primary motivation throughout the story is his unwavering loyalty to his friends, particularly Dr. Jekyll. He's deeply concerned about Jekyll's well-being and reputation, driving him to uncover the truth behind the disturbing events.
• Rationality: In a world increasingly confronted with scientific advancements and their potential implications, Utterson clings to reason and logic. He approaches the mystery with a methodical mind, seeking evidence and explanations based on tangible facts.
• Reputation and Propriety: As a Victorian gentleman, Utterson is acutely aware of social standing and the importance of maintaining a respectable image. He's concerned about the potential scandal that could arise from Jekyll's association with Hyde, reflecting the societal pressures of the time.
• Duty and Responsibility: Utterson feels a strong sense of duty towards his friends and clients. He takes his responsibilities seriously, diligently pursuing the truth even when it leads him down dark and disturbing paths.

Deciphering Utterson's Methodical Approach

Utterson's approach to the mystery surrounding Jekyll and Hyde is characterized by a meticulous and methodical investigation. He doesn't jump to conclusions or succumb to sensationalism. Instead, he relies on observation, deduction, and careful analysis of the available evidence.

• The Will: Utterson’s initial suspicion is aroused by Jekyll’s will, which inexplicably bequeaths all of his possessions to Edward Hyde. This strikes Utterson as highly irregular and deeply unsettling, prompting him to investigate Hyde's identity and his relationship with Jekyll.
• The Search for Hyde: Utterson actively seeks out Hyde, driven by a desire to understand the nature of his hold over Jekyll. He stakes out the building mentioned in the will and eventually encounters Hyde, an encounter that leaves him deeply disturbed by Hyde's repulsive appearance and malevolent aura.
• The Dinner Party: Utterson attends a dinner party at Jekyll’s house, using the opportunity to subtly question Jekyll about Hyde. He observes Jekyll's demeanor and tries to gauge the extent of Hyde's influence over him.
• The Letter from Hyde: After the murder of Sir Danvers Carew, Utterson receives a letter purportedly written by Hyde, claiming that he is severing ties with Jekyll. Utterson analyzes the letter, seeking clues about Hyde's whereabouts and his intentions.
• Consulting with Experts: When faced with information he cannot readily interpret, Utterson consults with experts, such as Mr. Guest, his clerk, who is skilled in handwriting analysis. This demonstrates Utterson's reliance on objective evidence and his willingness to seek outside assistance.

Inferring Utterson's Limitations: While Utterson’s rationality is a strength, it also presents a limitation. He struggles to grasp the possibility of the supernatural or the existence of forces beyond the realm of reason. He is initially dismissive of the idea that Jekyll could be involved in something truly extraordinary, preferring to believe in more conventional explanations, such as blackmail or madness.

Utterson's Emotional Landscape: A Subdued Palette

While outwardly reserved, Utterson experiences a range of emotions throughout the narrative. However, these emotions are often subdued and internalized, reflecting his commitment to self-control.

• Concern and Anxiety: Utterson is deeply concerned about Jekyll's well-being and the nature of his relationship with Hyde. This concern manifests as anxiety and unease, driving him to investigate the mystery further.
• Disgust and Repulsion: Utterson is profoundly repulsed by Hyde, both physically and morally. He describes Hyde as having a "displeasing smile" and conveying a sense of "troglodytic" evil.
• Grief and Loss: As the mystery unfolds and Jekyll's condition deteriorates, Utterson experiences a growing sense of grief and loss. He mourns the loss of his friend and the unraveling of their once-stable world.
• Fear and Dread: As he gets closer to the truth, Utterson experiences moments of genuine fear and dread. He recognizes the danger that Hyde represents and the potential consequences of uncovering the truth.

Inferring the Depth of His Emotions: Utterson’s subdued emotional responses shouldn't be mistaken for a lack of feeling. Instead, they indicate a deep capacity for empathy and compassion, carefully modulated by his commitment to reason and self-control. His actions speak louder than words, revealing the depth of his concern for his friends and his unwavering dedication to uncovering the truth.

Utterson as a Representative of Victorian Society

Utterson’s character is deeply rooted in the values and anxieties of Victorian society. He embodies the ideals of respectability, restraint, and rationality that were highly prized during this era. However, he also reflects the underlying tensions and contradictions of Victorian culture.

• The Importance of Reputation: Utterson's concern for Jekyll's reputation reflects the Victorian obsession with social standing and the fear of scandal. Maintaining a respectable image was paramount, and any deviation from societal norms could have devastating consequences.
• The Suppression of Emotion: Utterson's emotional restraint mirrors the Victorian emphasis on self-control and the suppression of strong emotions. Open displays of feeling were often considered unseemly, particularly for men.
• The Conflict Between Science and Religion: The story explores the growing tension between scientific advancements and traditional religious beliefs. Utterson's reliance on reason and logic reflects the increasing influence of science, while the supernatural elements of the story suggest the persistence of older beliefs and anxieties.
• The Duality of Human Nature: The central theme of Jekyll and Hyde is the duality of human nature, the idea that every individual possesses both good and evil tendencies. Utterson's struggle to reconcile Jekyll's respectable persona with Hyde's monstrous nature reflects the Victorian awareness of this inherent conflict.

Inferring Societal Norms: By observing Utterson's behavior and attitudes, we can infer the prevailing social norms and values of Victorian society. His concern for reputation, his emotional restraint, and his reliance on reason all point to the cultural pressures and expectations that shaped his character.

Unpacking the Symbolism of Utterson's Character

Beyond his role as a narrative guide and a representative of Victorian values, Utterson also functions as a symbolic figure within the story.

• The Observer: Utterson is primarily an observer, a detached and analytical figure who witnesses the unfolding drama without directly intervening. He represents the power of observation and the importance of careful analysis in understanding complex situations.
• The Moral Compass: While not perfect, Utterson serves as a moral compass for the reader. He embodies the values of integrity, loyalty, and responsibility, providing a point of reference in a world increasingly threatened by moral ambiguity.
• The Embodiment of Reason: Utterson represents the power and limitations of human reason. He relies on logic and deduction to unravel the mystery, but he ultimately struggles to comprehend the supernatural forces at play.
• The Protector of Secrets: Utterson is entrusted with several secrets throughout the story, including Jekyll's will and the truth about Hyde's identity. He takes his responsibility seriously, guarding these secrets to protect his friends and maintain order.

Inferring the Author's Intent: By examining the symbolism associated with Utterson's character, we can gain a deeper understanding of Stevenson's intent. The author uses Utterson to explore the complexities of human nature, the limitations of reason, and the enduring power of good versus evil.

Utterson's Relationships: A Window into His Soul

Utterson's relationships with other characters in the story provide further insight into his personality and values.

• Dr. Jekyll: Utterson's relationship with Dr. Jekyll is the most significant in the story. He is deeply concerned about Jekyll's well-being and reputation, and he is determined to uncover the truth behind his friend's strange behavior. Their relationship is characterized by loyalty, trust, and a shared sense of propriety.
• Mr. Enfield: Utterson's distant cousin, Mr. Enfield, serves as a foil to his more reserved nature. Enfield is more sociable and outgoing, but he shares Utterson's sense of moral outrage at Hyde's actions. Their shared observance of the disturbing encounter with Hyde begins the narrative's unraveling.
• Dr. Lanyon: Dr. Lanyon represents the limitations of scientific materialism. He is a staunch believer in empirical evidence and rejects Jekyll's more unorthodox experiments. His relationship with Jekyll deteriorates as a result of their scientific disagreements. Utterson serves as a bridge between these two men, attempting to reconcile their differences.
• Mr. Guest: Mr. Guest, Utterson's clerk, possesses specialized knowledge that proves invaluable in the investigation. He represents the importance of expertise and collaboration in uncovering the truth.

Inferring Social Dynamics: Through Utterson's relationships, we can infer the social dynamics of Victorian society. The importance of friendship, the boundaries of professional relationships, and the tensions between scientific and traditional beliefs are all revealed through these interactions.

Utterson's Transformation: A Subtle Shift

While Utterson remains largely consistent throughout the narrative, there is a subtle shift in his character as he confronts the true nature of Jekyll and Hyde.

• Increased Anxiety: As the mystery deepens, Utterson becomes increasingly anxious and disturbed. He recognizes the danger that Hyde represents and the potential consequences of uncovering the truth.
• Willingness to Confront the Unthinkable: Utterson initially struggles to accept the possibility of the supernatural or the existence of forces beyond the realm of reason. However, as he witnesses more and more inexplicable events, he becomes increasingly willing to confront the unthinkable.
• Acceptance of the Limits of Reason: By the end of the story, Utterson recognizes the limitations of human reason. He acknowledges that there are mysteries that cannot be fully explained by logic or science.
• A Deeper Understanding of Human Nature: Utterson gains a deeper understanding of the duality of human nature. He realizes that even the most respectable individuals are capable of harboring dark secrets and succumbing to their inner demons.

Inferring Personal Growth: While Utterson doesn’t undergo a dramatic transformation, he does experience a subtle shift in his perspective. He learns to accept the limitations of reason, confront the unthinkable, and gain a deeper understanding of human nature. This suggests that even the most reserved and rational individuals are capable of growth and adaptation.

The Enduring Appeal of Utterson

Mr. Utterson, though seemingly a simple and reserved character, is in fact a complex and multifaceted figure whose actions, thoughts, and relationships allow us to infer a great deal about the world of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. He serves as a guide, a moral compass, and a representative of Victorian society, offering a lens through which we can explore the complexities of human nature and the enduring power of good versus evil. His enduring appeal lies in his humanity, his flaws, and his unwavering commitment to his values, even in the face of unimaginable horror. By carefully analyzing his character, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the richness and complexity of Stevenson's masterpiece. He reminds us that even in the face of the extraordinary, it is the ordinary virtues of loyalty, reason, and responsibility that ultimately guide us through the darkness.