Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the hypocrisy of the character of Utterson throughout ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
Key learning points
- The first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson, highlighting the tension between his curiosity and wilful ignorance
- The word 'Case' in the title links to Utterson's legal profession, yet he is more concerned with reputation than justice
- Stevenson makes us question whether Utterson remains friends with 'downgoing' men out of loyalty or repressed desires
- Chapter 2 is key to understanding Utterson, as he is driven by curiosity to pursue Hyde as 'Mr Seek'
- Chapters 1 and 7 are significant as Utterson chooses to ignore the signs of Jekyll's distress to protect his reputation
Keywords
Focalised - Focalised refers to the perspective from which the story is told. In 'Jekyll & Hyde' the first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson.
Third person limited - A third-person limited narrative structure is where a story is told from the perspective of one protagonist. We only see their thoughts.
Repression - Repression refers to the restraint, prevention or inhibition of a feeling or quality.
Justice - Justice concerns just behaviour or treatment.
Loyalty - If you are showing a strong feeling of support or allegiance then you are showing loyalty
Common misconception
Mr. Utterson is an example of a respectable, Victorian gentleman.
The reality is more complex. Utterson seems more concerned with protecting the reputation of Jekyll than pursuing any real justice.
Teacher tip
There are lots of examples of Utterson's wilful ignorance. Pay particular attention to what he says and does in Chapter 1 and Chapter 7.
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 violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is Mr. Utterson's profession in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?
Q2.In relation to 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', complete this quote from Mr. Utterson: ''If he be Mr. Hyde,” he had thought, “I shall be Mr. ."
Q3.Which of the words below could be used to describe Mr. Utterson in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?
Q4.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Mr. Utterson discovers that Jekyll's will leaves his entire fortune to Mr. Hyde. When he discovers this, Mr. Utterson is...
Q5.What is the correct definition of 'justice'. Here it is used in a sentence: 'The judge delivered a verdict that upheld justice for the victim.'
Q6.What is the appropriate definition of the word 'repression'? Here it is used in a sentence: "The repression of free speech is a concerning trend in some countries."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What narrative perspective are the first 8 chapters of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' written in?
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', the fact that Utterson denies himself wine and the theatre - both things he enjoys - hints at his...
Q3.In Chapter 1 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Utterson says that he inclines to 'Cain's heresy'. What does he mean by this?
Q4.Which of the below are examples of where Utterson is arguably "wilfully ignorant" in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?
Q5.In Chapter 1 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Enfield uses a metaphor to describe how reputations can be easily affected. What metaphor does he use?
Q6.Which of the below statements best describes how Utterson sees the reputations of his friends in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson, 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: society as the villain unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.