'Jekyll and Hyde': examining the novella's structure
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Stevenson uses narrative structure to present his ideas on duality in society.
Key learning points
- Stevenson uses conventions of epistolary fiction to foreground the importance of letters and documents.
- Letters provide clues as part of the detective plot, but also link to the theme of concealment.
- The secrecy created by the epistolary form could represent the upper classes attempts to conceal unsavoury behaviour.
- The majority of the novella is told in the third person limited, focalised through Utterson.
- A sense of mistrust is created through unreliable narrators and a non-linear narrative.
Keywords
Epistolary - a story told through letters or written communication between characters
Critique - a detailed evaluation, expressing opinions on merits and faults
Duality - the quality of having two sides or aspects - a dual nature
Concealment - the act of hiding or keeping something secret or out of sight
Common misconception
Just mentioning Stevenson's choices surrounding form and structure is valuable analysis.
All comments regarding Stevenson's use of form and structure should be tied back to Stevenson's purpose.
Teacher tip
Prepare some examples of texts pupils have read which have first person and third person limited narrative perspectives. Ask pupils to consider which narrators they trusted more and why.
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 serious crime
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', whose perspective do we hear from in the final chapter of the novella?
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', whose narrative do we hear in Chapter 9 of the novella?
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what document does Hyde retrieve from behind the 'blistered and distained' door in Chapter 1?
Q4.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what clue helps Utterson discover Jekyll and Hyde have the same handwriting?
Q5.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', sealed letters are a symbol of...
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why does Utterson not open the letter from Lanyon straight away?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', which of the following characters is not one of the narrative voices of the novella?
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', which of the following is a 'red herring' in the case?
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Stevenson uses conventions of fiction to create a sense of mystery in his novella.
Q4.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what perspective are chapters 1-8 written from?
Q5.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', which is the most interesting interpretation as to why Stevenson makes the structural choices he does in the novella?
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', which of the following could it be argued does not help create mistrust in the novella?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': examining the novella's structure, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': examining the novella's structure, 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.