Summary
Utterson returns home deeply troubled by what he learned about Hyde. He retrieves Jekyll's will from his safe, rereading the disturbing clause that gives Hyde everything if Jekyll disappears for three months. The lawyer visits his old friend Dr. Lanyon, hoping to learn more about Hyde, but discovers that Lanyon and Jekyll had a bitter falling out over Jekyll's 'unscientific' pursuits ten years ago. Lanyon has never heard of Hyde. That night, Utterson tosses sleeplessly, haunted by visions of Hyde as a faceless predator stalking through London's streets. Determined to solve the mystery, he begins watching the door where Hyde enters Jekyll's building. After days of surveillance, he finally encounters Hyde face-to-face. The meeting confirms Utterson's worst fears—Hyde radiates an inexplicable evil that goes beyond his pale, dwarfish appearance. Hyde seems almost inhuman, bearing what Utterson calls 'Satan's signature upon a face.' When Utterson visits Jekyll's house afterward, he learns from the butler Poole that Hyde has complete access and authority there. Walking home, Utterson reflects on how past sins can return to haunt us, wondering what hold Hyde has over his old friend. This chapter establishes the central mystery while exploring themes of hidden guilt, moral corruption, and the danger of secrets. Utterson's relentless pursuit of truth positions him as both detective and potential victim in the unfolding drama.
Coming Up in Chapter 3
Two weeks later, Jekyll hosts one of his famous dinner parties for old friends. Utterson deliberately stays behind after the other guests leave, finally getting the chance for a private conversation with Jekyll about the mysterious Mr. Hyde.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
That evening Mr. Utterson came home to his bachelor house in sombre spirits and sat down to dinner without relish. It was his custom of a Sunday, when this meal was over, to sit close by the fire, a volume of some dry divinity on his reading desk, until the clock of the neighbouring church rang out the hour of twelve, when he would go soberly and gratefully to bed. On this night however, as soon as the cloth was taken away, he took up a candle and went into his business room. There he opened his safe, took from the most private part of it a document endorsed on the envelope as Dr. Jekyll’s Will and sat down with a clouded brow to study its contents. The will was holograph, for Mr. Utterson though he took charge of it now that it was made, had refused to lend the least assistance in the making of it; it provided not only that, in case of the decease of Henry Jekyll, M.D., D.C.L., L.L.D., F.R.S., etc., all his possessions were to pass into the hands of his “friend and benefactor Edward Hyde,” but that in case of Dr. Jekyll’s “disappearance or unexplained absence for any period exceeding three calendar months,” the said Edward Hyde should step into the said Henry Jekyll’s shoes without further delay and free from any burthen or obligation beyond the payment of a few small sums to the members of the doctor’s household. This document had long been the lawyer’s eyesore. It offended him both as a lawyer and as a lover of the sane and customary sides of life, to whom the fanciful was the immodest. And hitherto it was his ignorance of Mr. Hyde that had swelled his indignation; now, by a sudden turn, it was his knowledge. It was already bad enough when the name was but a name of which he could learn no more. It was worse when it began to be clothed upon with detestable attributes; and out of the shifting, insubstantial mists that had so long baffled his eye, there leaped up the sudden, definite presentment of a fiend. “I thought it was madness,” he said, as he replaced the obnoxious paper in the safe, “and now I begin to fear it is disgrace.” With that he blew out his candle, put on a greatcoat, and set forth in the direction of Cavendish Square, that citadel of medicine, where his friend, the great Dr. Lanyon, had his house and received his crowding patients. “If anyone knows, it will be Lanyon,” he had thought. The solemn butler knew and welcomed him; he was subjected to no stage of delay, but ushered direct from the door to the dining-room where Dr. Lanyon sat alone over his wine. This was a hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced gentleman, with a shock of hair prematurely white, and a boisterous and decided manner. At sight of Mr. Utterson, he sprang up from his chair and welcomed him...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Justified Surveillance - When Concern Becomes Control
Legitimate concern escalates into invasive monitoring that we rationalize as protection but actually serves our need for control.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how good intentions can mask invasive behavior that violates others' privacy and autonomy.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel compelled to investigate someone's private business 'for their own good'—pause and ask if you have permission to be involved.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Holograph will
A will written entirely in the testator's own handwriting, without witnesses or formal legal preparation. In Victorian times, this was legally valid but unusual for wealthy men who typically used lawyers.
Modern Usage:
Today we might write our own informal agreements or contracts, but most important legal documents require professional preparation and witnesses.
Bachelor establishment
A household run by an unmarried man, often with minimal staff and simple routines. Victorian bachelors were viewed with some suspicion, as marriage was considered the natural state for respectable men.
Modern Usage:
Similar to today's single professionals living alone, though now it's completely normal rather than slightly scandalous.
Dry divinity
Boring religious texts or theological writings that were considered proper Sunday reading for respectable Victorian gentlemen. Shows Utterson's conventional, dutiful nature.
Modern Usage:
Like forcing yourself to read something you think you should rather than what you want to - educational podcasts when you'd rather watch Netflix.
Disappearance clause
The unusual provision in Jekyll's will that gives Hyde everything if Jekyll vanishes for just three months. This was highly irregular and suspicious in legal terms.
Modern Usage:
Like putting someone you barely know as your life insurance beneficiary - it raises red flags about what kind of hold they might have over you.
Professional discretion
The Victorian gentleman's code of not prying into friends' private affairs, even when concerned. Lawyers especially were expected to respect client confidentiality above personal curiosity.
Modern Usage:
Similar to how we're supposed to mind our own business about friends' relationships or finances, even when we're worried about them.
Satan's signature
Utterson's description of Hyde's face as bearing the unmistakable mark of evil. Reflects Victorian belief that moral corruption would show physically in a person's appearance.
Modern Usage:
When we say someone has 'dead eyes' or 'gives off bad vibes' - the feeling that you can sense something wrong about a person just by looking at them.
Characters in This Chapter
Mr. Utterson
Protagonist and moral detective
A respectable lawyer whose concern for Jekyll drives him to investigate Hyde. His methodical surveillance and growing horror show how evil can disrupt even the most ordered life.
Modern Equivalent:
The responsible friend who won't let things slide when they sense something's seriously wrong
Edward Hyde
Mysterious antagonist
Finally appears in person, confirming Utterson's worst fears. His physical repulsiveness and air of evil make him seem almost inhuman, yet he holds complete power over Jekyll.
Modern Equivalent:
The toxic person who has some mysterious hold over your friend and makes everyone uncomfortable
Dr. Lanyon
Former friend and potential ally
Jekyll's old friend who broke with him over 'unscientific balderdash' ten years ago. His ignorance of Hyde shows how completely Jekyll has hidden this part of his life.
Modern Equivalent:
The ex-friend who fell out with someone over their life choices and now says 'I told you so'
Poole
Loyal servant and information source
Jekyll's butler who reveals that Hyde has complete access to the house and authority over the staff. His acceptance of this arrangement shows how normalized the abnormal has become.
Modern Equivalent:
The employee who knows all the boss's secrets but stays loyal out of duty or fear
Key Quotes & Analysis
"If he be Mr. Hyde, I shall be Mr. Seek"
Context: Utterson decides to hunt down Hyde after reading Jekyll's disturbing will
Shows Utterson's determination and methodical nature. The wordplay reveals his dry humor but also his serious commitment to protecting Jekyll from whatever threat Hyde represents.
In Today's Words:
If this guy wants to hide from me, he's got another thing coming
"There is something wrong with his appearance; something displeasing, something downright detestable"
Context: Utterson's first impression of Hyde after finally meeting him face to face
Captures the inexplicable revulsion Hyde inspires in everyone who meets him. The repetition of 'something' shows how hard it is to pinpoint exactly what makes Hyde so disturbing.
In Today's Words:
There's just something really off about this guy that makes my skin crawl
"The man trampled calmly over the child's body and left her screaming on the ground"
Context: Utterson recalls the story of Hyde's callous cruelty from the previous chapter
The word 'calmly' is key - it shows Hyde's complete lack of normal human empathy. This isn't a crime of passion but cold indifference to suffering.
In Today's Words:
He just stepped on that kid like she was garbage and kept walking
Thematic Threads
Secrets
In This Chapter
Jekyll's will and mysterious connection to Hyde creates a web of hidden information that drives Utterson to investigate
Development
Expanded from previous hints into active concealment that demands investigation
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when family members start acting secretive and you feel compelled to find out why.
Class
In This Chapter
Hyde's lower-class appearance and manner immediately mark him as threatening to the respectable lawyer Utterson
Development
Developed from earlier social boundaries into active class-based fear and suspicion
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself making assumptions about someone's character based on how they dress or speak.
Control
In This Chapter
Utterson takes it upon himself to solve Jekyll's problems through surveillance and investigation
Development
Introduced here as Utterson's response to the mysterious situation
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when you start managing other people's problems without being asked.
Identity
In This Chapter
Hyde appears almost inhuman, challenging basic assumptions about what makes someone a person
Development
Expanded from Jekyll's dual nature into questions about fundamental human identity
In Your Life:
You might experience this when someone close to you acts so differently that you question who they really are.
Moral Judgment
In This Chapter
Utterson immediately condemns Hyde as evil based on appearance and instinct rather than evidence
Development
Developed from earlier moral certainties into active judgment and condemnation
In Your Life:
You might notice this when you decide someone is 'bad' based on gut feeling rather than actual behavior.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What specific actions does Utterson take to investigate Hyde, and how does he justify each step to himself?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Utterson's concern for Jekyll lead him to surveillance rather than direct conversation? What does this reveal about his assumptions?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen someone use 'protecting' or 'helping' as justification for crossing boundaries in relationships, workplaces, or families?
application • medium - 4
If you were genuinely worried about a friend's choices, what would be a respectful way to address your concerns without becoming invasive?
application • deep - 5
What does Utterson's escalating investigation teach us about how good intentions can lead to harmful behavior?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Rewrite the Confrontation
Imagine Utterson chose direct conversation over surveillance. Write a brief scene where he approaches Jekyll honestly about his concerns regarding the will and Hyde. How might Jekyll respond? What would be gained or lost through this direct approach versus the secretive investigation?
Consider:
- •Consider how Jekyll might react to honest concern versus feeling spied upon
- •Think about what information Utterson might gain through trust versus surveillance
- •Reflect on how this approach might change the entire trajectory of their friendship
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you investigated someone's situation instead of asking directly. What were you afraid would happen if you were honest about your concerns? How might the outcome have been different with direct communication?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 3: The Friend's Intervention
What lies ahead teaches us to recognize when someone you care about is in trouble but won't accept help, and shows us the delicate balance between respecting privacy and intervening in a friend's crisis. These patterns appear in literature and life alike.