Author's Note - While I was reading pages 48-49 I noticed a lot of references to light and dark while Utterson was trying to find out more about Hyde, and I decided to write about how light and dark can be used to describe the truth and what we have yet to learn.
Driven crazy about his lack of knowledge on Hyde, Utterson sets out on a quest to find out as much as he can about Jekyll's mysterious beneficiary. This thirst for knowledge begins one night as Utterson is lying in bed, pondering about why Dr. Jekyll would give Hyde his downfall. And as he lay and tossed in the gross darkness of the night and the curtained room... While Utterson is literally lying in the dark of the night, metaphorically he is lying in the darkness of the absence of truth. If he could but once set eyes on him, he thought the mystery would lighten and perhaps roll altogether away... If Utterson is allowed but a glimpse of Hyde and a chance to understand his true character, the truth would bring light to the dark recesses of decietfulness that had taken root in his mind. When Utterson confronts Hyde outside of his house, the scene is described as being, a fine dry night; the frost in the air; the street as clean as a ballroom floor; the lamps, unshaken by any wind, drawing a regular pattern of light and shadow. The street lamps of the city of London not only illuminate the scene, but allow Utterson a clear look at Hyde's face, providing an answer to Utterson's question. The second part of the sentence highlights the struggle between truth and deception of which we have all taken a part in. A regular pattern of light and shadow accurately describes Utterson's position, he is equally unaware of just what is going on as much as he is aware. In the end, however, the light won out, and Utterson learned at least part of the truth, no matter how small.
Driven crazy about his lack of knowledge on Hyde, Utterson sets out on a quest to find out as much as he can about Jekyll's mysterious beneficiary. This thirst for knowledge begins one night as Utterson is lying in bed, pondering about why Dr. Jekyll would give Hyde his downfall. And as he lay and tossed in the gross darkness of the night and the curtained room... While Utterson is literally lying in the dark of the night, metaphorically he is lying in the darkness of the absence of truth. If he could but once set eyes on him, he thought the mystery would lighten and perhaps roll altogether away... If Utterson is allowed but a glimpse of Hyde and a chance to understand his true character, the truth would bring light to the dark recesses of decietfulness that had taken root in his mind. When Utterson confronts Hyde outside of his house, the scene is described as being, a fine dry night; the frost in the air; the street as clean as a ballroom floor; the lamps, unshaken by any wind, drawing a regular pattern of light and shadow. The street lamps of the city of London not only illuminate the scene, but allow Utterson a clear look at Hyde's face, providing an answer to Utterson's question. The second part of the sentence highlights the struggle between truth and deception of which we have all taken a part in. A regular pattern of light and shadow accurately describes Utterson's position, he is equally unaware of just what is going on as much as he is aware. In the end, however, the light won out, and Utterson learned at least part of the truth, no matter how small.
I agree, the references between dark and light are definitely connected to knowledge and truth. When you talked about the "regular pattern of light and shadow", it made me wonder if the light that he found when learning the truth only led to more darkness when he had more unanswered questions. Great writing, I especially enjoyed your metaphors, like "the darkness of the absence of truth".
ReplyDeleteYou make an excellent point with the repetition of light and dark. The point where you say Utterson can see Hyde's face with the light of the streetlamp, emphasis on the light and dark symbol, is crucial to his knowledge, and while this is a rather simple symbol, it is easily overlooked. However, I disagree with light always answering questions. I think that Utterson seeing Hyde's face and acts only makes him need to know more.
ReplyDeleteGreg, this is an exquisite inference. You explain the meaning of light vs. dark great, and this is a great piece. keep up the good work.
ReplyDeleteGreat piece. I really like the connections that you made to the instances of light and dark in the story. The part where you say that he is metaphorically lying in the darkness of the absence of truth is especially interesting. You have some great ideas that dig deep. good job
ReplyDeleteI missed the connection in the reading between light and truth, as well as darkness and confusion. I'm glad you picked up on it and expanded on it. Your evidence was well placed and added to the effectiveness of this piece. Overall, great job.
ReplyDeleteYou had really good evidence and you definitely cleared things up for me with the light vs. dark reference! You have a very strong talent with writing. Keep up the good work!
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