Chapter 6: Remarkable Incident of Dr Lanyon

Time passes in the narrative, though the murder of Sir Danvers Carew is still very much in the public consciousness. A reward of “thousands of pounds” is even offered, demonstrating the severity with which such a crime was considered. The crime may be more shocking as Hyde represents the lower class whilst Carew symbolises the upper, embodying the anxiety felt by many and the prejudice with which the lower classes were regarded as violent and dangerous. Hyde’s past is “unearthed,” suggesting a dirtiness which has been dug up, thereby emphasising his sordid ways. Stevenson lists the varied disreputable aspects of the criminal: “of his vile life, of his strange associates, of the hatred.” Listing Hyde’s vices and associations hints at events which have taken place outside of the narrative and which demonstrate the extent of his depravity.