The exact quote describing Mr. Hyde's trampling of a young girl, as recounted by Mr. Enfield, is: "It sounds like nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see."
This chilling statement encapsulates the profound impact of witnessing Mr. Hyde's brutal act on a "black winter morning."
The Horrifying Incident and Enfield's Account
The trampling incident is one of the earliest and most disturbing depictions of Mr. Hyde's inherent depravity in Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It is recounted by Mr. Richard Enfield to Mr. Utterson during one of their weekly walks, setting the tone for the mysterious and malevolent character of Hyde.
Enfield describes seeing Hyde, in the early hours of a "black winter morning," casually trample a young girl who had run into him at a street corner. What makes the event particularly horrifying is not just the physical act, but Hyde's utter lack of remorse or human feeling. Enfield emphasizes that while the description of the event might sound minor, the visual experience of it was far more disturbing.
Aspect | Detail |
---|---|
Witness | Mr. Richard Enfield |
Time of Day | Early morning, described as a "black winter morning" |
The Incident | Mr. Hyde ran into a young girl at a street corner and proceeded to trample over her with a "damned Juggernaut" indifference. |
Enfield's Reaction | Despite the simplicity of the action's description, the visual spectacle was "hellish," indicating the profound psychological impact of Hyde's inhumanity. He rallied other bystanders to catch Hyde. |
Significance | This event immediately establishes Mr. Hyde as a character of pure evil, lacking empathy, and capable of shocking brutality. It foreshadows the deeper horrors associated with him and his connection to Dr. Jekyll. |
The quote highlights the contrast between the mundane language used to describe the act and the visceral horror experienced by the observer. Enfield's vivid memory of the event, despite its brevity, underscores the unique and unsettling quality of Hyde's evil. His complete disregard for human life and suffering is made evident through this casual act of violence. The incident serves as a critical introduction to Hyde, establishing his monstrous nature long before his more significant crimes are revealed.
For further exploration of quotes and analysis of the novel, you can refer to resources such as J&H Quotes Flashcards by Mr Wallace.