“ If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also. ”
Robert Louis Stevenson, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886). copy citation
| Author | Robert Louis Stevenson |
|---|---|
| Source | Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde |
| Topic | suffering sin |
| Date | 1886 |
| Language | English |
| Reference | |
| Note | |
| Weblink | http://www.gutenberg.org/files/43/43-h/43-h.htm |
Context
“I mean from henceforth to lead a life of extreme seclusion; you must not be surprised, nor must you doubt my friendship, if my door is often shut even to you. You must suffer me to go my own dark way. I have brought on myself a punishment and a danger that I cannot name. If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also. I could not think that this earth contained a place for sufferings and terrors so unmanning; and you can do but one thing, Utterson, to lighten this destiny, and that is to respect my silence.» Utterson was amazed; the dark influence of Hyde had been withdrawn, the doctor had returned to his old tasks and amities; a week ago, the prospect had smiled with every promise of a cheerful and an honoured age; and now in a moment, friendship, and peace of mind, and the whole tenor of his life were wrecked.”
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Meaning and analysis
