Does Stevenson Create A Sense Of Terror In Dr Jekyll And Hyde

Stevenson creates various moments of apprehension throughout the novel to evoke a sense of terror.
When Edward Hyde is first introduced in the novel, he takes a major role in a plot changing event. He “tramples calmly” over a child's body only to leave her “screaming” on the ground in agony and betrayal. Hyde is portrayed as careless and convulsive through his actions; this allows for a sense of mystery to settle in one's mind. The fact that he has left the child in pain on the ground, at night, emphasizes Stevenson's use of an event to create a strategic reaction towards a specific character. Hydes menacing personality evokes a feeling of horror by leaving the reader questioning a character, in this case, Hyde, reliability in the human world

As the door to the lab came crumbling down, a “dismissal screech” reverberated throughout the surrounding areas. By dragging out the reveal of who it is, anxiety for a need to know is presented, which in turn allows for the truth to become more of an unsettling fact rather than a relief. The voice inside the lab rings out in “pure animal terror,” once the door has been beaten down. Stevenson uses personification by comparing a human voice to the sound of a frightened animal. This also creates a visual image of the mysterious unidentifiable doctor that has resided in the lab for the last year hiding his true self. Dr. Jeckyll chose by himself to create the more “wicked” and “disordered” version of him. This version of himself longs to be free of the facade he puts on when he is seen as the organized and friendly doctor, this covers up ultimately contributes to his overwhelming need for a less obligated life. By extending the exposure of the real reasoning behind Hydes behavior Stevenson is able to create a horrific feeling inside the character's