'Jekyll and Hyde': the importance of science and religion in the novella
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explain Stevenson’s views on science and religion and how these materialise in the novella.
Key learning points
- Arguably, Stevenson is critical of trangressive scientists.
- Stevenson plays on the real fears of scientific development and Darwinism in his novella.
- Stevenson, raised a strict Calvinist, rejected his faith.
- Calvinism was an evangelical branch of Christianity.
- Stevenson is arguably very critical of the role Christianity played in the moral and political aspects of society.
Keywords
The Enlightenment - the period in which people began to value reason and rationale as a means to pursuing truth, knowledge and freedom
To transgress - violate a boundary, law or social norm; go beyond established limits or norms
Evangelical - adherence to conservative religious beliefs
Progressive - favouring progress, reform or innovation; open to new ideas and social improvement
Piety - deeply religious devotion; demonstrating a strong commitment to religious principles
Common misconception
All Christians were against scientific development.
Within all religions (or groups in society) there will be plurality of thought, including progressive viewpoints.
Teacher tip
In learning cycle 2, when learning about the context behind Calvinism, you could separate pupils into groups and get them to explore separate chunks of knowledge from the table, feeding back to their peers.
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 discriminatory behaviour
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.In which century was 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' written?
Q2.What was the most widely followed branch of Christianity in Victorian Britain?
Q3.What does the verb 'to progress' mean?
Q4.The man who created the theory of evolution and wrote 'On the Origin of Species' was called Charles .
Q5.What does the verb 'to enlighten' mean?
Q6.Who is the head of the Church of England?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.The era was a time where people began to value reason and rationale as a means to pursuing truth, knowledge and freedom.
Q2.Which branch of Christianity did Robert L. Stevenson's parents follow?
Q3.Calvinsim was an branch of Christianity, this means it was not very progressive.
Q4.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why might it be argued Stevenson was 'playing on contemporary fears'?
Q5.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why might some readers argue this novella is Stevenson's own criticism of Christianity? Select all that apply.
Q6.With reference to 'Jekyll & Hyde', complete this quote, said by Stevenson, which suggests he enjoyed a dual life like Jekyll: “ are my veiled mistress; I love them, but know not what they are'.
To help you plan your 10 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': the importance of science and religion in the novella, 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': the importance of science and religion in the novella, 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.