In Chapters 2 it creates an even more mysterious plot for the book. Mr. Utterson feeling very suspicious goes to look at the will he helped create for Dr. Jekyll. In his will it states that if Dr. Jekyll has a "disappearance or unexplained absence for any period exceeding three calenders months" Mr. Hyde shall be given all of his possessions (Stevenson 8). This is very peculiar because why would Dr. Jekyll give everything he owns to not even a so-called friend after he has passed away or disappeared. It is also very strange that if he has an absence for any time over three months then he gets it. It makes me wonder is Jekyll going to run away? Why three months? Three months is very specific and makes me wonder what is going on that I do not know.
When Utterson goes to Jekyll's home he is greeted by a servant. The manners of servitude is quite different than today. Servants are only to abide to the owner's house rules and cannot do anything other than that. Servants in this time period are supposed to be very well-mannered and are to wait on their "master" on hand and foot. In present time we do not even have servants in households. The servant for Dr. Jekyll, Poole, answers the door when Utterson knocks. Poole tells Utterson that Hyde has a key to the laboratory and that the servants have to obey him as well Jekyll. This implies to the audience that Hyde has done something that Jekyll cannot ever repay him for or he is blackmailing him.
In Chapter 3 Utterson attends Jekyll's party and stays extremely late just to converse with Jekyll and to question him about the will. Jekyll seems to be somewhat nervous. When Utterson talks to Jekyll privately he does not to seem be as well-mannered as in public; he actually comes off quite rude. This personifies how individuals in this time era are more concerned with how society perceives them.
I like how you mentioned that Utterson is more "rude" to Jekyll when the two are just speaking between themselves. It is, like you said, evidence about how people are wary of their images. I also think, though, that this shows Utterson's comfort around Jekyll. He is even able to push aside his professionalism and his manners a bit when he asks about the Will. This also gives strength to the idea that Utterson is a caring person. He has made it clear before that he disapproves of Jekyll's Will; however, we are also able to see the strong bond that they share. The level of trust and respect that Utterson gives to Jekyll by promising to do what the Will says even when he is so against it, shows their intimate relationship as friends. Ultimately, what I am trying to say is, "When one is around a person they consider a friend, one will be able to be their true self and treat them with real respect that comes from the heart." At least, that is true for Utterson. Jekyll, on the other hand, although seemingly lacking in trust because he cannot tell Utterson any truths, is still trusting of Utterson. I mean, the guy left his Will with him. There must be some level of trust. Once they leave each other, though, they will go back to their professional image that includes repressed feelings and much politeness, just as society expects of them.
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