'Jekyll and Hyde': examining Mr. Hyde as a dangerous character
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can use well-selected evidence to explain how Hyde is presented throughout the novella.
Key learning points
- At different times in the novella, Hyde is presented as being an unknown entity.
- At other times, Hyde is presented as being a dangerous assailant, particularly during the murder of Carew.
- Arguably, Hyde acts as a cautionary warning against limitless scientific development.
- When selecting quotations, consider the overarching idea, any larger methods used and which words are ripe for analysis.
Keywords
Entity - a person, animal, or thing with its own identity.
Assailant - someone who attacks or hurts others.
Cautionary - acting as a warning.
Temperamental - someone or something that can have sudden mood changes.
Common misconception
Hyde is solely presented as a dangerous character from the start to the end of the novella.
Through the character of Hyde, and others' interactions with him, we can explore Stevenson's wider cautionary message.
Teacher tip
To encourage pupils to find quotations from their copies for the text, you could set the final practice task up as a group activity. In fours, pupils could search for evidence from different sections of the novella.
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
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Mr. is the first character to mention Hyde.
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', how does Mr. Hyde murder Sir Danvers Carew?
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what time of day is Carew murdered?
Q4.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what was Carew's profession?
Q5.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why does Hyde become a 'self-destroyer'?
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Hyde is described as being "troglodytic". Which of the following are logical inferences a reader could make about Hyde from this adjective?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', some readers may argue Hyde is presented as an unknown at certain points in the novella.
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', readers will argue, particularly in Chapter 4, that Hyde is presented as a dangerous , as he clubs Carew to death.
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', a reader could argue that Stevenson uses Hyde as a warning against limitless scientific development.
Q4.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', which words from the following quotation would be best for individual analysis: “hailing down a storm of blows”?
Q5.Match the quotation from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' to the inference a reader may make about Hyde.
Hyde is a dangerous assailant.
Hyde is an unknown entity.
Hyde is a cautionary warning against limitless scientific development.
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what does this quotation, from Lanyon's narrative, suggest about Hyde: “the deadliest terror sits by me at all hours of the day and night”?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': examining Mr. Hyde as a dangerous character, 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 Mr. Hyde as a dangerous character, 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.