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Analysing Dr. Roylott in ‘The Speckled Band’

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how Conan Doyle presents Dr Roylott in ‘The Speckled Band’.

Key learning points

  1. Dr. Roylott is presented as aggressive in 'The Speckled Band'.
  2. We can use the connotations of words to help us analyse a character’s presentation.
  3. We should always use tentative language when suggesting why an author has presented a character in a certain way.

Keywords

  • Snarl - To snarl is to make an aggressive growl or to say something in an angry voice.

  • Hurl - To hurl is to throw something with great force.

  • Connotation - A connotation is a feeling that a word evokes in the reader.

  • Tentative - If something is tentative then it is not fixed or certain.

Common misconception

Connotation is the definition of a word.

Connotation is a feeling that a word gives .

Teacher tip

You can ask students to compare how Roylott is presented as an antithesis to Helen.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

6 Questions

Q1.
In the story 'The Speckled Band', who is Dr. Roylott?

Helen's fiancee
Julia and Helen's brother
Correct answer: Helen and Julia's stepfather

Q2.
In 'The Speckled Band', what is true regarding the wealth of Roylott's family?

They are extremely wealthy
Correct answer: They lost their wealth
They have never had great wealth

Q3.
In 'The Speckled Band', what does Holmes find interesting about Roylott's lifestyle at Stoke Moran?

he has huge parties every night
he never looked for a new partner
Correct answer: he barely has friends and keeps exotic pets

Q4.
In 'The Speckled Band', what does Roylott accuse Holmes of when they meet?

courting Helen
Correct answer: meddling in his affairs
sneaking into Stoke Moran

Q5.
In 'The Speckled Band', in which tone does Holmes call Roylott an 'amiable person'?

genuine
Correct answer: sarcastic
jealous

Q6.
A is a feeling that a word evokes in the reader.

Correct Answer: connotation

6 Questions

Q1.
Which word means to throw something with great force?

snarl
Correct answer: hurl
growl

Q2.
In 'The Speckled Band', what word best describes Roylott based on the quote: "fierce old bird of prey"?

innocent
weak
Correct answer: dangerous

Q3.
What is a connotation?

definition of a word
writer's intentions for using a word
Correct answer: the feeling a word evokes

Q4.
In 'The Speckled Band', which two words does Holmes feel towards Roylott based on meeting him?

fondness
Correct answer: suspicious
Correct answer: weary

Q5.
Why use tentative language when writing about author's intentions?

Correct answer: you can never be sure of the writer's intentions
it is polite
it impresses the reader

Q6.
Thinking about 'The Speckled Band', what can you get from the single word analysis of the word: 'snarl'?

Roylott is evil
Roylott is sad
Correct answer: Roylott is angry

To help you plan your 7 English lesson on: Analysing Dr. Roylott in ‘The Speckled Band’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...