Topic > How Mr. Hyde Transformed in the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson. The Stranger Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Stevenson uses many different linguistic techniques and tools to present Mr. Hyde's transformation. Stevenson uses detailed description to introduce Hyde to Dr. Lanyon for the first time. Although Stevenson does not directly state that it is Hyde, through his vivid description we are able to identify the person as Mr Hyde. Throughout the novel we begin to associate 'small' with Mr Hyde, whenever Mr Hyde is mentioned he is most likely described with this adjective. As we begin reading chapter 9 we see Lanyon describe a man as "small" with "a shocking expression on his face." We automatically think this character is Mr Hyde; this is ultimately due to Stevenson's continuous and effective description of Mr. Hyde, which constantly references his size and the sense of fear that Hyde elicits whenever he appears in the novel. When we consider this particular chapter we must consider the attitude of the Victorian people of the time towards it. At the time the play was written people would have believed in the perfect Victorian gentleman, a man who kept to himself, had a good reputation and had no secrets. The irony seems to be that Hyde is far from this character, so this would have especially surprised people when reading this. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essayStevenson uses another linguistic device, sibilants, to heighten the suspense created during Hyde's transformation. In chapter 9 Stevenson adds his tri-colons using the sibilant here. In describing Mr. Hyde's effect on himself, Lanyon describes Hyde as a "creature that now stood before me... something gripping, astonishing, and revolting." The subtle use of sibilants here adds to the very descriptive tricolon. The adjectives used to describe Hyde generally fit the general consensus we have for him, with Hyde described as a creature with something "seizing" and "revolting". When we analyze this chapter we must also consider the sense of mystery in Gothic novels but, more importantly, in this novel. At the time, audience members and readers would not have been aware of the "twist", if you will, in the tale. So in this chapter we see its detailed description and effective structure come into play in revealing the 'twist' to the reader. When the big reveal finally arrives, Stevenson makes sure to use many different techniques to create as much suspense as possible. One of the most widespread techniques applied here is the sense of dramatic irony. The reason this can occur and be used is mainly due to Stevenson's ingenious structure throughout the novel. Aside from dramatic irony, Stevenson uses rhetorical questions to entice the reader and Lanyon to stay and witness what is about to happen. Hyde asks Lanyon "Will you be wise?" Will you let me drive you?', here we begin to wonder if Lanyon will accept the offer. As a typical Victorian gentleman we would expect Lanyon to stick to his values ​​and refuse, as he was not explicitly asked to stay. However, we later find out that he accepts the request.