Character Profile: Gabriel Utterson

In Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Gabriel John Utterson serves as the principal narrator and a critical lens through which the story unfolds. As a lawyer and close friend of Dr. Henry Jekyll, Utterson embodies rationality, loyalty, and a profound sense of moral duty. His character not only drives the narrative forward but also reflects the Victorian ideals of propriety and restraint, making him an indispensable figure in understanding the novella’s themes and dynamics.

Utterson as a Rational and Reliable Narrator

From the outset, Stevenson presents Utterson as a man of reason and moderation. Described as “austere with himself,” Utterson practices self-restraint, shunning indulgences and maintaining a disciplined lifestyle. His rational demeanor makes him a reliable narrator, crucial in a story steeped in mystery and the supernatural. Readers trust Utterson’s observations because he approaches situations with logic and skepticism, ensuring that the narrative remains grounded even as it delves into the bizarre transformations of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Utterson’s rationality also aligns with the Victorian emphasis on order and control. In a society grappling with scientific advancements and moral anxieties, Utterson’s measured perspective offers a counterbalance to the chaos represented by Mr. Hyde. His reliance on facts and evidence underscores the tension between reason and the unknown, a central theme of the novella.

Loyalty and Friendship

Utterson’s deep loyalty to his friends, particularly Dr. Jekyll, is one of his defining traits. Despite growing suspicions about Jekyll’s connection to the sinister Mr. Hyde, Utterson remains committed to protecting his friend’s reputation. This loyalty is evident in his decision to investigate Hyde’s identity and intentions, driven by concern for Jekyll rather than personal gain.

Stevenson uses Utterson’s steadfastness to highlight the value of friendship in an otherwise isolating and judgmental society. Utterson’s relationship with Jekyll reflects a genuine bond, one that compels him to act as a moral guardian. Even when Jekyll’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic, Utterson refrains from casting judgment, embodying the Victorian ideal of discretion. This unwavering support adds depth to Utterson’s character, showing that his reserved nature does not preclude emotional connection.

Utterson as an Amateur Detective

A significant aspect of Utterson’s role is his function as an amateur detective. His profession as a lawyer equips him with analytical skills and a methodical approach to problem-solving. These qualities come to the fore as he investigates the mysterious relationship between Jekyll and Hyde, piecing together clues from conversations, documents, and personal observations.

Utterson’s investigation mirrors the structure of a detective story, with the gradual revelation of truths culminating in the shocking final confession. However, his efforts are constrained by his own biases and adherence to social conventions. For instance, Utterson’s reluctance to consider supernatural explanations reflects the Victorian emphasis on rationality, even when faced with inexplicable phenomena. This limitation adds to the suspense, as readers can sense the underlying truth before Utterson is willing to confront it.

Moral Integrity and Victorian Values

Utterson is a quintessential Victorian gentleman, embodying the era’s values of respectability, restraint, and moral integrity. His concern for Jekyll’s reputation and his distaste for scandal reflect the importance of maintaining social decorum. This preoccupation with appearances is evident in his handling of Jekyll’s will, which names Hyde as the sole heir. Although Utterson finds the will troubling, he chooses to address the matter privately, avoiding public scrutiny.

Utterson’s moral compass is further demonstrated in his interactions with Mr. Hyde. Despite his visceral dislike of Hyde, whom he describes as radiating an “unimpression of deformity,” Utterson refrains from outright condemnation. Instead, he seeks to understand Hyde’s influence over Jekyll, driven by a desire to protect his friend rather than indulge in moral outrage. This nuanced approach underscores Utterson’s adherence to fairness and justice, hallmarks of his professional and personal ethics.

Limitations of Utterson’s Perspective

While Utterson’s rationality and integrity make him a compelling narrator, his perspective is not without limitations. His reliance on logic and evidence sometimes blinds him to the deeper, more unsettling truths of the story. For instance, Utterson struggles to reconcile the dichotomy between Jekyll and Hyde, clinging to conventional explanations even as evidence mounts of a more fantastical reality.

This limitation is reflective of the broader Victorian reluctance to confront the darker aspects of human nature. Utterson’s inability to grasp the full implications of Jekyll’s experiments until the final revelation highlights the tension between societal norms and the uncharted territories of science and psychology. Stevenson uses Utterson’s perspective to illustrate the difficulty of navigating a world where appearances can be deceiving, and morality is not always black and white.

The Everyman Figure

Utterson’s role as an everyman character enhances his relatability and effectiveness as a narrator. Unlike Jekyll, whose dual nature symbolises the extremes of human behavior, Utterson represents the middle ground. His reactions to the events of the novella mirror those of the reader, providing a steady anchor amidst the story’s twists and turns.

Utterson’s ordinariness also serves as a contrast to the extraordinary events surrounding Jekyll and Hyde. By presenting the story through Utterson’s eyes, Stevenson heightens the impact of the revelations, as they are filtered through the perspective of a rational, everyday individual. This choice reinforces the novella’s exploration of the hidden complexities within seemingly ordinary lives.

Gabriel John Utterson is a multifaceted character whose qualities of rationality, loyalty, and moral integrity make him indispensable to Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. As a narrator, he provides a grounded perspective that allows readers to navigate the novella’s mysteries and moral dilemmas. At the same time, his limitations reflect the broader societal tensions of Victorian England, where advancements in science and shifts in morality challenged traditional beliefs.

Through Utterson, Stevenson explores themes of friendship, respectability, and the duality of human nature, crafting a character who is both a product of his time and a timeless representation of the struggle to reconcile reason with the unknown. For readers and students of the novella, understanding Utterson’s role is key to appreciating the depth and complexity of Stevenson’s masterpiece.