Big ideas for annotation & discussion

Characteristics of Gothic/Victorian style writing: Author’s influences – childhood, Edinburg & New Town Themes:  Duality of human nature  Importance of reputation  Rational vs. supernatural  Erosion of language – silence BIG IDEAS FOR ANNOTATION

Euphemism: Incident with the girl – what might have really happened? Protecting one’s reputation Mysteries? girl Will, Jekyll tells Utterson “I would trust you before any man alive Ay, before myself”? What characteristics make it seem like a detective novel (who seems to be the detective?) Hyde’s ugliness – metaphysical? Hidden crime, secret sins – Utterson’s dream sequence Dr. Lanyon labeling Jekyll’s experiments as balderdash – foreshadowing? CHAPTERS 1 – 3

Structure of Victorian Society (beginning of Chapter 4) Connection between setting and mood- gothic elements Poole (role in conflict, plot, suspense) Jekyll’s behavioral changes Lanyon’s death Mysteries Silences Isolationism Characteristics of a Victorian gentlemen CHAPTERS 4-7

Chapter used to show just how far removed from the truth Utterson remains - proof Who is more in touch with reality Upkeep of appearances – how shown Meaning and proof of Utterson’s avoidance of taking action - analyze Utterson seems to have a premonition that awaits him in the laboratory- what would be the results? Stevenson seems to comment on larger Victorian mentality – Gothic novels depend upon geography for power - analyze CHAPTER 8- BIG IDEAS

Chapter 9 Why did Jekyll select Lanyon – proof? Silence – what is it owed to Lanyon retreats within himself In what ways Lanyon is similar to Enfield and Utterson? - proof Stevenson’s offers a vivid description, detailed language and imagery to lend immediacy to supernatural events – analyze word choice CHAPTERS 9 BIG IDEAS

The fact that Hyde is smaller – analyze How is this contradictory to Hyde’s strength? Jekyll’s repetition of the claim that his goal was to liberate his light half from his darker impulses – irony? Jekyll’s attempt at self justification – taking responsibility? The darker half of the man has the upper hand, even when he is Jekyll and not Hyde Stevenson suggests the immensity of humanity’s dark impulses, which conscience can barely hold in check. Details of the story’s horrors still remain obscure- erosion of language CHAPTER 10 BIG IDEAS