Question

Read the excerpt from chapter 3 of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

"You know I never approved of it,” pursued Utterson, ruthlessly disregarding the fresh topic.

"My will? Yes, certainly, I know that,” said the doctor, a trifle sharply. "You have told me so.”

"Well, I tell you so again,” continued the lawyer. "I have been learning something of young Hyde.”

The large handsome face of Dr. Jekyll grew pale to the very lips, and there came a blackness about his eyes. "I do not care to hear more,” said he. "This is a matter I thought we had agreed to drop.”

This excerpt is found in the
of the plot.

Answer 1

This excerpt is part of the rising action — it develops the central conflict (Utterson's concerns about Hyde and Jekyll's strange behavior), building tension that propels the plot forward.