'Jekyll and Hyde' Chapter 2: Search for Mr Hyde
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore the characterisation of Mr. Hyde.
Key learning points
- Hyde first appears to Utterson in a dream, linking to the supernatural
- Hyde is consistently dehumanised in the description
- When he imagines Hyde, London itself becomes unfamiliar and disorientating to Utterson
- Utterson is disgusted by Hyde, but also deeply curious about him
- The oxymoron 'human juggernaut' suggests that Hyde is human, yet also has supernatural powers
Keywords
Supernatural - Events or phenomena beyond scientific explanation are considered supernatural.
Dehumanisation - Dehumanisation is the process of stripping individuals of their human qualities, reducing them to a subhuman state.
Oxymoron - When two seemingly contradictory terms appear together for effect, this literary device is an oxymoron.
Juggernaut - A huge, powerful, and overwhelming force or institution is often referred to as a juggernaut.
Revulsion - A strong feeling of disgust can be described as revulsion.
Common misconception
Students might think Stevenson's ambiguity about Hyde's appearance is due to insufficient detail.
Stevenson keeps Hyde's description vague to engage readers' imaginations, amplifying the character's eeriness.
Teacher tip
Pre-read the chapter, noting key descriptions of Hyde. Gather diverse illustrations of Hyde from adaptations to showcase how ambiguity sparks varied interpretations. Encourage students to visualise their own Hyde before revealing these depictions.
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
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', how is Mr. Hyde's physical appearance described in Chapter 1?
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', what does Mr Hyde collect from inside the door?
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', how does Mr. Hyde behave towards Mr. Enfield and the young girl in Chapter 1?
Q4.What does the word 'supernatural' mean?
Q5.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', how does Mr. Hyde's behaviour contrast with the society's norms in Victorian London?
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', what are the primary feelings Mr. Hyde's presence evokes in those who encounter him in Chapter 1?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', what does Utterson do at the start of chapter 2, which is not in his usual evening routine?
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', Hyde first appears to Utterson in a .
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', which of the following words could describe Utterson's reaction to Hyde?
Q4. is the process of stripping individuals of their human qualities, reducing them to a subhuman state.
Q5.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', which of the following does not imply Hyde is connected to the supernatural?
Q6.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', what does the following quotation suggest about Hyde: "he gave an impression of deformity without any nameable malformation"?
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde' Chapter 2: Search for Mr Hyde, 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' Chapter 2: Search for Mr Hyde, 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.