Introducing the Gothic in 'Jekyll and Hyde'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand how Stevenson conforms to, and subverts, Gothic conventions in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
Key learning points
- Gothic fiction is fascinated by strange places, yet Stevenson sets his story in London.
- The figure of Hyde allows Stevenson to explore violent differences in power.
- Gothic writing often focuses on irrational or illicit desires; Stevenson conforms to this.
- The uncanny is a key idea within the Gothic and links to duality, but also the human/ inhuman appearance of Hyde.
- Hyde seems to have supernatural powers and strength, conforming to the conventions of the gothic villain.
Keywords
Conform - To comply with certain rules, standards or laws.
Subvert - To corrupt or undermine something. In literature, if you subvert something you undermine what is expected.
Convention - The defining characteristics of a particular genre.
Genre - A particular style or category of literature.
Gothic - A genre of writing that is characterised by the inclusion of dark and supernatural elements.
Common misconception
'Jekyll and Hyde' is a stereotypically 'Gothic' novella.
Whilst certain elements of 'Jekyll and Hyde' do follow the conventions of the Gothic, others subvert it.
Teacher tip
Consider using extracts from other well-known Gothic stories (Frankenstein, Dracula) to highlight the Gothic conventions in context in learning cycle one.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In what year was 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' first published?
Q2.In Chapter 10 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', as Hyde grows stronger, Jekyll grows .
Q3.Which of the below would be examples of genres in literature?
Q4.What is the missing word from this definition of 'conventions'? 'The defining __________ of a particular genre.'
Q5.Which of the below is the correct description of the word 'conform'?
Q6.What is being described here: 'To corrupt or undermine something.'
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which word is missing from this definition of the Gothic: 'writing that is characterised by the inclusion of dark and elements.'
Q2.'The Gothic can be considered a of literature.' Which word below best fits here?
Q3.In what century did Gothic literature first appear?
Q4.Gothic literature was influenced by which earlier literary movement?
Q5.Which of these Gothic conventions does the novella subvert?
Q6.With reference to 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', which of the below best outlines the novella's approach to Gothic conventions?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Introducing the Gothic in 'Jekyll and Hyde', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: Introducing the Gothic in 'Jekyll and Hyde', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 English lessons from the Jekyll & Hyde: duality and evil unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.