1. Names and Character Names:
* Jekyll: This name evokes connotations of goodness, respectability, and order. It is a typical, almost ordinary name that contrasts sharply with the darkness within.
* Hyde: This name has strong connotations of ugliness, evil, and hidden things. It sounds harsh and dissonant, suggesting something sinister.
2. Physical Descriptions:
* Jekyll's transformation: The descriptions of Jekyll's transformation into Hyde emphasize decay, degeneration, and a loss of control. This evokes feelings of disgust and fear, reflecting the inherent horror of losing one's humanity.
* Hyde's appearance: Hyde is described as deformed, grotesque, and repulsive. His appearance embodies the negative connotations of evil, highlighting its physical manifestation.
3. Setting:
* London: The Victorian setting of London contributes to the novella's atmosphere of moral decay and hidden secrets. The dark, foggy streets and the stark class divide amplify the sense of unease and social tension.
* The Laboratory: This setting represents the pursuit of knowledge and forbidden experimentation, evoking connotations of danger, manipulation, and the transgression of boundaries.
4. Themes and Symbols:
* Duality: The core concept of the story, the duality of good and evil within human nature, carries a complex and ambiguous connotation. It challenges conventional notions of morality and forces the reader to confront their own inner darkness.
* Repression: The act of repression, both by Jekyll and by Victorian society, is linked to connotations of constraint, hypocrisy, and the danger of suppressed desires.
Overall, the novella uses a blend of positive and negative connotations to create a sense of unease, suspense, and moral ambiguity. This nuanced approach is crucial to the story's lasting impact and its exploration of the complex and often contradictory nature of humanity.