'Jekyll and Hyde': examining Lanyon as a foil to Jekyll
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain how Dr. Lanyon acts as a foil to Henry Jekyll.
Key learning points
- In literature, a foil is a contrasting character who highlights another’s qualities or flaws.
- Lanyon acts as a foil to Jekyll in the novella.
- Lanyon represents the rational and reputable face of science, highlighting Jekyll’s recklessness.
- Some argue that Lanyon represents Stevenson’s own criticisms of unfettered scientific experimentation.
- Lanyon and Jekyll’s conflict may represent the contemporary concerns about science.
Keywords
Foil - a character contrasting with the main character, highlighting differences
Protagonist - the main character in a story, often the hero
Reckless - acting without thinking, taking risks without considering consequences
Unfettered - free and unrestrained, not held back or restricted
Common misconception
Stevenson was extremely critical of science.
Stevenson certainly plays on contemporary fears over unfettered scientific development. Whilst his novella could be seen as a criticism of this, the extent to which which Stevenson uses the text as his own personal criticism is arguable.
Teacher tip
You may wish to replace the example of a literary foil with a character from a text your pupils have studied.
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 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' what was Lanyon's profession?
Q2.Who was the monarch when 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' was written?
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' how did Lanyon die?
Q4.Shortly before the release of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,' Charles Darwin released a book called 'On the of Species'.
Q5.Which of the following is an idea from Charles Darwin's work which caused fear for some readers at the time 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' was published?
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Lanyon describes Jekyll's experimentation as " balderdash."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', it can be argued that Jekyll's experimentations are...
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Stevenson uses Dr. Lanyon as a to Dr. Jekyll
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', how does Dr. Lanyon represent contemporary views on scientific development?
Q4.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', arguably Stevenson uses Lanyon to explore his criticisms of unfettered experimentation. What does unfettered mean?
Q5.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', how does Stevenson represent the contemporary, conflicting views around scientific development?
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', complete this quote said by Jekyll about Lanyon: "hide-bound ."
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': examining Lanyon as a foil to Jekyll, 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 Lanyon as a foil to Jekyll, 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.