The most important word in this quote is "impression." In this passage, Utterson has just met Mr. Hyde for the first time, and he is trying to understand the "impression" the man has left him with. In fact, Utterson cannot name an actual "deformity" that the strange man has, although he appears "pale and dwarfish." Utterson first considers whether it is merely the odd man's bearing, his attitude of fear mixed with boldness, that caused...
The most important word in this quote is "impression." In this passage, Utterson has just met Mr. Hyde for the first time, and he is trying to understand the "impression" the man has left him with. In fact, Utterson cannot name an actual "deformity" that the strange man has, although he appears "pale and dwarfish." Utterson first considers whether it is merely the odd man's bearing, his attitude of fear mixed with boldness, that caused Utterson to feel repulsed by him. He quickly realizes that the man's demeanor alone cannot explain the deep repulsion that welled up in Utterson when he met him. Utterson then brushes away the idea that his reaction could be a simple dislike akin to that described in the old nursery rhyme about Dr. Fell: "I do not like thee, Dr. Fell. The reason why, I cannot tell, but this I know, and know full well: I do not like thee, Dr. Fell." Mr. Utterson then comes to the conclusion that the "deformity" he has perceived in Mr. Hyde is a spiritual and moral deformity, the "radiance of a foul soul that thus transpires through, and transfigures." This description is key to Stevenson's theme in the novella. It is not the outward appearance of someone that matters. If Hyde's deformity had been physical, it would not have made him a menace; it is the deformity of his inner being that produces an unshakable "impression" on Utterson and that causes such harm to others in the story.
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