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'Jekyll and Hyde': Chapters 3 and 4

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can analyse how the theme of concealment is used to create detective fiction in chapters 3 and 4.

Key learning points

  1. Concealment is a key theme of both chapters
  2. Utterson's refusal to challenge Jekyll shows the code of secrecy, allowing gentlemen to protect their reputations
  3. The will and the letter carried by Carew show that letters and documents hold secrets
  4. Carew's death is treated with alarm due to his social class and status
  5. The walking stick is an important clue which links to the form of detective fiction

Keywords

  • Reputation - The way in which an individual or entity is perceived by others and by society is called their reputation.

  • Concealment - The act of hiding or preventing something from being known is termed concealment.

  • Detective fiction - Detective fiction is a genre where mysteries are solved by detectives.

  • Class - A system that categorises people based on factors like wealth, occupation, and other social markers is referred to as class.

Common misconception

Pupils think the genre of this novella is solely Gothic fiction.

Even without the presence of a detective character, the use of concealment and a carefully crafted mystery make this detective fiction too.

Teacher tip

Before teaching, introduce key symbols (e.g., fog, letter) to students. This primes them to spot and understand these symbols' significance as they engage with the text, enhancing comprehension.

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

Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
Where is 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' primarily set?

Victorian-era New York
Correct answer: Victorian-era London
19th-century Edinburgh

Q2.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what is Mr. Utterson's profession in the story, and how does it relate to the plot?

Correct answer: He is a lawyer, investigating Dr. Jekyll's mysterious will.
He is a detective solving crimes in London.
He is a doctor working with Dr. Jekyll.
He is a writer documenting London's social issues.

Q3.
In Chapter 1 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what is significant about Mr. Hyde's trampling of the young girl?

Correct answer: It highlights Mr. Hyde's rejection of societal norms.
It demonstrates Mr. Hyde's fear of the girl.
Correct answer: It establishes Mr. Hyde's violent and callous nature.

Q4.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', when does Utterson first see Hyde?

on a walk with Enfield
coming out of the small door
Correct answer: in his dream

Q5.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what is the primary theme that runs through the first two chapters of the novel?

truth and honesty
scientific experimentation
Correct answer: social class and morality

Q6.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why is Utterson so interested in Jekyll's will?

He wants to know if anyone hs changed it.
Correct answer: He believes it will tell him more about Jekyll's relationship with Hyde.
He thinks it will tell him whether Hyde is dangerous.

6 Questions

Q1.
In Chapter 3 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why does Mr. Utterson visit Dr. Jekyll's house?

Correct answer: to attend a dinner party
to inquire about Mr. Hyde
to discuss business matters

Q2.
Aside from gothic, what type of fiction could 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' be described as?

Correct Answer: detective, detective., Detective, Detective.

Q3.
In Chapter 3 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why does Dr. Jekyll claim to have been concealing his connection with Mr. Hyde?

To protect Mr. Hyde's reputation
Correct answer: To maintain his own reputation
To hide their criminal activities

Q4.
What clue is found near the body of Sir Danvers Carew in Chapter 4 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?

Correct Answer: a walking stick, walking stick, a cane, a heavy cane, a broken cane

Q5.
Which word means: the act of hiding or preventing something from being known?

Correct Answer: concealment, Conceal

Q6.
Which one of the following is not a symbol of concealment in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?

the mystery door in Chapter 1
Jekyll's will
Correct answer: the broken walking stick

To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': Chapters 3 and 4, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...