The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde CfE Higher

Focus: Chapters 1-3 Section I: The Mystery of Mr Hyde

Theme The main theme of the novella is the duality* of man, this is first introduced in section I. Chapter 1 establishes this theme through descriptions of Mr Utterson and the neglected door.  Mr Utterson - a walking contradiction, a man who is “cold…yet somehow loveable”.  The door - The neglected door is surrounded by other clean, well-kept, and colourful entrances. Section I: The Mystery of Mr Hyde *Duality – the quality of being two things or split into two parts; the idea that we have two sides to our natures.

Theme Task One Find 4 quotations (2 pairs) from chapter one that illustrate the contrast between the neglected door and the surrounding street. Hyde’s DoorStreet Section I: The Mystery of Mr Hyde

Theme Task One Find 4 quotations (2 pairs) from chapter one that illustrate the contrast between the neglected door and Jekyll’s house Hyde’s DoorJekyll’s House

Theme In chapter 2, it is established that the neglected door is in fact the entrance to Dr Jekyll’s laboratory (“old dissecting room door”), and that the laboratory and Jekyll’s house are interconnected – they are part of one large building, but look out onto different streets.

Theme A secondary theme in the novel is secrecy and hypocrisy. This theme is also introduced in section 1. This theme also contains the idea of public image/respectability vs private desires/repression Task 3 Find as many examples of secrecy as you can in section 1 – this can include dialogue and actions.  Enfield and Utterson agree never to speak of the incident of Hyde trampling the girl again.

Narrative Structure Section One: chapters 1-3  Third person narrative from the perspective of Mr Utterson – only what Utterson knows is shared with the reader. Effect - Creates and maintains a sense of mystery. Events do not always occur in chronological order, Utterson’s sense of confusion about what he participates in is reinforced and suspense created.

Review Last lesson we covered: The introduction of the novella’s main theme – the duality of man How this is introduced through both the description of Utterson, and the setting. How this theme was symbolised by the entrances to Jekyll’s laboratory and house The novella’s secondary theme – secrecy and hypocrisy

Theme Learning Intentions:  Understand that the character Edward Hyde is the embodiment of Dr Jekyll’s wicked side.

October Test prep Sample essay question: Choose a novel or short story in which a central character is presented as being menacing or threatening. Go on to show how this presentation adds to your understanding of the text as a whole.

October test prep Hyde  He kills Sir Danvers Carew  He tramples over the little girl  His transformation causes Dr Lanyon to go into shock and die.  His appearance and people’s reaction to it.  The laboratory door – linked to Hyde (symbolic) and its appearance compared to the rest of the street