Question

Read the excerpt from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

But the words were hardly uttered, before the smile was struck out of his face and succeeded by an expression of such abject terror and despair, as froze the very blood of the two gentlemen below. They saw it but for a glimpse for the window was instantly thrust down; but that glimpse had been sufficient, and they turned and left the court without a word. In silence, too, they traversed the by-street; and it was not until they had come into a neighbouring thoroughfare, where even upon a Sunday there were still some stirrings of life, that Mr. Utterson at last turned and looked at his companion. They were both pale; and there was an answering horror in their eyes.

"God forgive us, God forgive us,” said Mr. Utterson.

How does this passage develop the theme "Evil can never truly hide itself”?

Dr. Jekyll tells the men to go away before slamming the window closed.
Dr. Jekyll closes the window and makes the men nervous by following them home.
Utterson and Enfield are horrified when they see Jekyll’s transformation.
Utterson and Enfield are ashamed that they did not stay to help Dr. Jekyll.

Answer 1

Utterson and Enfield are horrified when they see Jekyll’s transformation.

Even though Jekyll slams the window to hide himself, a brief glimpse of his terrified, altered expression is enough to reveal the evil within. Their shock and plea for forgiveness show that the monstrous truth cannot be fully concealed.