The Price of Reputation

The theme of how Jekyll's fear of disgrace drives his secrecy and ultimately his downfall.

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The Fear of Public Shame

The Fear of Public Shame A Reputation to Maintain Jekyll has always been concerned with his public image. He hides his pleasures and maintains a grave countenance. He wants to be respected by the wise and good. The Need for Secrecy His fear of disgrace leads him to conceal his double life. He uses the transformation to indulge his pleasures without consequences. The reputation is a cage. The First Cost When Enfield's story threatens to expose him, he pays hush money. He is willing to sacrifice money to protect his name. The price of reputation is high.

The Growing Burden

The Growing Burden The Threat of Exposure The murder of Carew puts Jekyll's reputation at risk. He is terrified that his connection to Hyde will be discovered. He writes a letter to Utterson, asking for help in protecting his character. The Decision to Conceal Utterson agrees to keep the secret. Jekyll's reputation is preserved, but at the cost of truth. The price of reputation is now the lives of others. The Ultimate Sacrifice Jekyll eventually loses his reputation anyway. His seclusion is a sign of disgrace. The price of reputation is his own destruction.

The Final Irony

The Final Irony The Reputation Ruined In the end, Jekyll's reputation is destroyed. His suicide and the revelation of his double life bring shame. The thing he tried to protect is lost. The Futility of Secrecy The novel suggests that the attempt to maintain a perfect reputation is futile. The truth will come out. The price of reputation is not worth the cost. The Moral Lesson Jekyll's tragedy is a warning against the hypocrisy of Victorian society. The fear of disgrace leads to greater disgrace. The theme is that honesty is better than a false reputation.

early in Jekyll's life

after the murder of Carew

the end of the novel