Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde - Book Report/Review Example

Stevenson’s style of writing represents the Victorian era. This means that modern readers will see the contents of the novel as largely old. The opening paragraph has an antiqued expression and flows in a mannered manner that describes a man of considerable repute in society. To some readers, the language may seem out of touch. “…but which spoke not only in these silent symbols of the after-dinner face but more often and loudly in the acts of his life” (Stevenson). The style contrasts the civilized and uncivilized human characters, which is later evident in the novel.

He has an ‘after-dinner face’, which reflects a traditional and Victorian form of writing. Through his writing style, he uses a split approach to introduce chaos in a society in a society that seems largely dominated by formalities and formal order. “…sometimes wondering, almost with envy, at the high pressure of spirits involved in their misdeeds; and in any extremity inclined to help rather than to reprove” (Stevenson). The subject, Mr. Utterson, is a formal and civilized person who exists in a society littered with uncivilized people with questionable behavior.

In addition, the style offers a third-party point of view that describes society from the eyes of one of its members. “…but more often and loudly in the acts of his life” prepares the reader to explore the life of Mr. Utterson from his perspective and that of other characters in the novel.