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Read the excerpt from Chapter 4 of "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde":

"At this moment, however, the rooms bore every mark of having been recently and hurriedly ransacked; clothes lay about the floor, with their pockets inside out; lock-fast drawers stood open; and on the hearth there lay a pile of grey ashes, as though many papers had been burned. From these embers the inspector disinterred the butt end of a green cheque book, which had resisted the action of the fire; the other half of the stick was found behind the door; and as this clinched his suspicions, the officer declared himself delighted."

How does this excerpt develop the plot?

A. The condition of the room and its contents cause Mr. Utterson and Inspector Newcomen to consider Mr. Hyde as a murder suspect.

B. The condition of the room and its contents cause Mr. Utterson and Newcomen to start investigating someone other than Mr. Hyde.

C. The condition of the room and its contents cause Mr. Utterson and Inspector Newcomen to contact Dr. Jekyll to see if he can provide any answers.

D. The condition of the room and its contents cause Mr. Utterson and Inspector Newcomen to plan a trip to the bank in hopes of catching Mr. Hyde.

Answer :

Final answer:

The room's chaotic condition leads Mr. Utterson and Inspector Newcomen to suspect Mr. Hyde of murder. This scene heightens tension in the story, illustrating the mystery and conflict among the characters. It serves as a crucial moment in the plot development of the novella.


Explanation:

Analysis of the Excerpt from The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

The excerpt from chapter 4 effectively develops the plot by illustrating the chaotic scene within Dr. Jekyll's rooms, which raises significant suspicion regarding Mr. Hyde's involvement in nefarious activities. At this moment, the condition of the room and its contents immediately draw the attention of Mr. Utterson and Inspector Newcomen to consider Mr. Hyde a murder suspect.

The details provided in the description, such as the clothes strewn on the floor and the evidence of burned papers, indicate a struggle or hastily executed actions, suggesting that something serious has occurred. This leads the inspector, who exclaims his delight at the findings, to solidify his suspicions surrounding Hyde, thereby intensifying the mystery and urgency that drive the narrative forward. The disarray in Jekyll's rooms serves not only as a plot device to elevate tension but also reflects the inner turmoil and conflict experienced by the characters involved.

Conclusion

In summary, the chaotic state of the room is pivotal in developing the suspicion against Mr. Hyde, propelling the investigation into darker themes of duality and morality that are central to the novella.


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