Jekyll and Hyde CHAPTERS 7-9

A recurring theme that is seen throughout the chapters is the fog. The fog symbolizes the unclear, the inscrutable, the unknown, and is used to lend a sense of dark, sinister, mystery to the chapters. The fog is mentioned when Mr. Utterson finds himself analyzing Dr. Jekyll's domicile, finding a "foggy cupola". The fog here represents the mystery of the house, the connections to Mr. Hyde's dwelling, and the vague feeling of the chapter. Another instance where this fog can be seen was the fog that descended upon the city. This can easily be interpreted as part of the gloom of Sir Danvers Carew’s brutal murder as well as the unknown whereabouts of Mr. Hyde. However, it is mentioned that the fog “slept on the wing of the drowned city”, implying that the fog is moving starting to clear away from the center of the city and the mention of its sleeping refers to the powerlessness of the characters, unable to move and explore. The clouds are said to “smother” the light of the lamps. Observations can be drawn from this as lamps give out light, commonly used to symbolize clarity. As the clouds smother the lamps, they ensure that the characters are left helpless, no clues to follow and no personal instincts.Chapter 9 ends in a cryptic feel. "But Mr. Enfield only nodded his head very seriously, and walked on once more in silence"