GCSE English Literature

Utterson Quotes3 key Mr Utterson quotes with full analysis.

Complete collection of Mr Utterson's most important quotes for GCSE English Literature, exploring his role as narrator and representative of Victorian respectability.

The most important Utterson quotes in Jekyll and Hyde reveal Mr Utterson as the rational, loyal lawyer who narrates the mystery. Key Mr Utterson quotes such as “inclined to help rather than reprove” and “lean, long, dusty, dreary” show his Victorian respectability and discretion, framing the reader's discovery of the truth.

About Gabriel John Utterson

Mr Utterson is a London lawyer and Jekyll's loyal friend. He serves as the novella's main narrator and investigator, through whose perspective we discover the mystery of Jekyll and Hyde. He is described as “lean, long, dusty, dreary” but also loyal and discreet - the ideal Victorian gentleman.

Utterson represents Victorian rationality and respectability. He refuses to believe anything supernatural, preferring to think Hyde has some “hold” over Jekyll (perhaps blackmail). His inability to accept the truth about human duality reflects wider Victorian society's refusal to acknowledge the dark side of human nature. He is “inclined to help rather than reprove,” showing the Victorian value of discretion over judgment.

RationalityRespectabilityLoyaltyVictorian ValuesNarrator

Browse the full Jekyll and Hyde quote bank for every character, or explore how Utterson's rational viewpoint connects to the duality of human nature theme in Stevenson's novella.

All Mr Utterson Quotes

“If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek”
Chapter 2
SecrecyDuality

Context: Utterson makes this pun after learning about Hyde and resolving to find him.

Analysis

This pun demonstrates Utterson's determination to uncover the mystery. The wordplay on "hide" and "seek" foreshadows the cat-and-mouse nature of the narrative. It also reflects Victorian curiosity conflicting with propriety - Utterson is drawn to investigate despite preferring to avoid scandal.

Language Techniques:

PunForeshadowingFirst-person narrative

Exam Tip

Use this quote to discuss how Stevenson creates mystery and suspense. The pun also shows Utterson's rational, lawyer-like approach to problems.

“I incline to Cain's heresy... I let my brother go to the devil in his own way”
Chapter 1
RepressionVictorian HypocrisySecrecy

Context: Utterson explains his philosophy of not interfering in others' affairs.

Analysis

The biblical allusion to Cain, who asked "Am I my brother's keeper?", reveals Victorian attitudes to privacy and non-interference. Utterson's reluctance to judge reflects how Victorian gentlemen maintained respectability by ignoring unpleasant truths about their peers.

Language Techniques:

Biblical allusionCharacterisationIrony

Exam Tip

This quote is excellent for discussing Victorian society's hypocrisy - they valued reputation over truth, enabling hidden vices to flourish.

“Satan's signature upon a face”
Chapter 2
Good vs EvilDualityVictorian Hypocrisy

Context: Utterson reflects on what Hyde's face might reveal about his character.

Analysis

This metaphor connects Hyde to the ultimate evil figure. The idea of evil being written on the face reflects Victorian physiognomy - the belief that character showed in physical features. Yet Hyde's exact deformity remains undefined, suggesting evil is recognizable but indescribable.

Language Techniques:

MetaphorReligious imageryAllusion

Exam Tip

Link this to Victorian pseudoscience of physiognomy and phrenology - the belief that criminals could be identified by their appearance.

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