The Incident of the Letter

The episode where Hyde's letter is analyzed by Mr. Guest, revealing the handwriting similarity and deepening Utterson's suspicions.

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Jekyll's Letter

Jekyll's Letter A Visit to the Laboratory Utterson finds Jekyll looking deathly sick in his cabinet. Jekyll claims he is done with Hyde and shows him a letter from Hyde, apparently written to reassure him. Utterson is skeptical. The Letter's Contents The letter is written in an odd, upright hand, signed by Hyde. It says that the writer has means of escape and that Jekyll need not worry. Utterson feels a slight relief. The Question of the Envelope Jekyll has burned the envelope. The letter was handed in, not posted. Utterson realizes that the letter could have been written in the cabinet itself.

The Handwriting Analysis

The Handwriting Analysis The Clerk's Opinion Utterson shows the letter to his head clerk, Mr. Guest, a handwriting expert. Guest studies it and declares it not mad, but odd. He then compares it with a note from Jekyll. The Startling Similarity Guest points out that the two hands are nearly identical, only differently sloped. The implication is clear: Jekyll may have forged the letter for Hyde. Utterson's Horror Utterson locks the note in his safe. He thinks: 'Henry Jekyll forge for a murderer!' His blood runs cold. The discovery forces him to doubt his friend's integrity.

after the murder, late afternoon

the same evening, at Utterson's home