Understanding Utterson and social class in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can explore how Stevenson presents attitudes to social class through Utterson in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’
Key learning points
- Social divide is a key idea here, highlighted because the reader sees Soho through the middle class eyes of Utterson.
- Utterson is portrayed as judgemental towards the poor, mirroring commonplace Victorian beliefs.
- Stevenson criticises the idea that only the poor are prone to sin and vice: the middle class characters harbour secrets.
- The description of Soho links to the theme of duality, showing that the city is as divided as Jekyll is.
- Concealment is an important theme here as Utterson confronts a side of London that middle class men don't usually see.
Keywords
Concealment - The action of hiding something or preventing it being known is known as concealment.
Duality - Duality refers to the contrast between two opposite or opposing things.
Morality - Morality concerns the distinction between what is right and what is wrong.
Critique - If you criticise something in a thoughtful and detailed way this is known as a critique.
Social divide - The differences between classes is known as the social divide. In 'Jekyll and Hyde' Utterson is a member of the midde class.
Common misconception
Mr. Utterson is judgemental of all immoral behaviour.
Mr. Utterson seems incredibly judgemental of the Victorian poor and their behaviour but he is willing to turn a 'blind eye' to his friends.
Teacher tip
This lesson could form part of a wider discussion about the significance of "fog" in the novella and its links to concealment. The descriptions of Soho are particularly rich for this task.
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
Depiction or discussion of mental health issues
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is Utterson's profession in the novella 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?
Q2.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Utterson arguably has a repressive nature. What two things does he deny himself, despite enjoying them?
Q3.The first 8 chapters of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' are narrated through the perspective of Utterson alone? As such, this is an example of...
Q4.In our opening description of Utterson in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', we learn that he subscribes to 'Cain's...'?
Q5.What is the definition of the word 'critique'? Here it is used in a sentence: 'The piece of art received its critique from the gallery owner'.
Q6.What is the definition of the word 'morality'? Here it is used in a sentence : "The preacher spoke about the importance of morality."
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.To what part of London does Utterson travel to in chapter 4 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?
Q2.What technique has been used here in the description of the weather: "the wind was continually charging and routing these embattled vapours"?
Q3.In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Jekyll describes Soho as 'the home of Jekyll's favourite'. What is he suggesting with this phrase?
Q4.Consider 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', in what ways would Utterson's views towards the poor be shared by the Victorian middle classes of the day?
Q5.Consider 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', how does Stevenson view people like Utterson and their views of the poor?
Q6."Stevenson is implicitly critical of Utterson’s attitude towards the poor people of Soho in this extract." What is this an example of?
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Understanding Utterson and social class in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: Understanding Utterson and social class in ‘Jekyll and 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: society as the villain unit, dive into the full secondary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.