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'Jekyll and Hyde': a critique of unchecked scientific ambition

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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can explain how Stevenson draws on Victorian anxieties about unchecked scientific progress in his depictions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

Key learning points

  1. Significant scientific advances during the height of the Industrial Revolution often used unethical practices.
  2. Stevenson draws on the 'mad scientist' trope to emphasise how the pursuit of knowledge can lead to a loss of humanity.
  3. Jekyll represents the respectable public face whereas Hyde represents the repressed desires he keeps hidden.
  4. Lanyon's horror at Hyde's transformation reflects Victorian fears that unchecked ambition led to horrifying outcomes.
  5. Jekyll describes his transformation as painful yet enjoyable because it frees him from moral expectations.

Keywords

  • Unethical - acting against moral principles or accepted standards of conduct

  • Archetype - typical example or original model of a character, theme or pattern in literature and art

  • Transcend - rise above or go beyond limits, often in terms of understanding or experience

  • Unchecked - not restrained, controlled, or regulated

  • Succumb - give in to pressure, temptation or weakness; to yield or surrender

Common misconception

All scientific developments during the Industrial Revolution were positive in terms of their impact on society.

While the Industrial Revolution was considered to be the 'golden age' of scientific development and innovation, much of the pioneering research was conducted under unethical conditions.

Teacher tip

You could explore famous examples of the 'mad scientist' archetype (e.g. Dr. Frankenstein) as well as more modern examples in films and TV to further pupils' understanding.

Equipment

You will need access to specific extracts from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. You can find the extracts in the additional materials.

Content guidance

Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), 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

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6 Questions

Q1.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' Dr. Lanyon is ...

a close friend of Dr. Jekyll who supports his experiments.
Correct answer: a medical doctor who embodies traditional scientific values.
an antagonist who opposes Dr. Jekyll's transformations.
the father of girl Hyde tramples over in the street.

Q2.
How did the Industrial Revolution impact the class structure of Victorian society?

it reduced class distinctions
it eliminated poverty entirely
it created a more equal society
Correct answer: it led to the rise of a wealthy industrial middle class

Q3.
How did the Victorian era's emphasis on morality and propriety influence attitudes towards scientific advancements?

Correct answer: it led to fears of the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition
it encouraged unregulated scientific experimentation
it disregarded ethical considerations entirely
it promoted scientific discoveries over moral concerns

Q4.
Private personas allowed wealthy Victorians to ...

display their true emotions openly.
Correct answer: maintain social status while engaging in immoral behaviour.
engage in public charity without scrutiny.
pursue careers outside their social class.

Q5.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Hyde can be described as ...

compassionate and benevolent.
mysterious and charming.
Correct answer: violent and morally corrupt.
a loyal friend to Jekyll.

Q6.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', Jekyll can be described as ...

Correct answer: a respected scientist struggling with his dual nature and moral dilemmas.
a reckless individual who embraces his darker side without hesitation.
a villain who seeks power and control over others.
an uninhibited character who rejects societal norms entirely.

Assessment exit quiz

Download exit quiz questions (PDF)

6 Questions

Q1.
The Industrial Revolution was a time of ...

decreased technological advancement and stagnation in industry.
Correct answer: rapid scientific development.
social equality and fairness.
exemplary moral behaviour.

Q2.
What were the consequences of the boundless scientific ambition of the Victorian era?

complete elimination of diseases through new medicines
increased ethical considerations in scientific research
a unified scientific community working together for the public good
Correct answer: the use of unethical practices in the pursuit of knowledge

Q3.
Which of these are characteristics of the 'mad scientist' archetype?

Correct answer: an obsession with knowledge that leads to reckless experimentation
a deep commitment to ethical scientific practices
strong social connections and a desire for teamwork
Correct answer: undergoing physical or psychological changes from their experiments

Q4.
In Chapter 9 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what does Lanyon discover in Jekyll's private cabinet that suggests he is obsessive about his work?

photographs of himself as Hyde
Correct answer: notes detailing hundreds of failed experiments
money he has stolen from his friends
a letter to Utterson, explaining his dedication to science

Q5.
Complete this sentence about 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde': 'Lanyon's __________ at Hyde's transformation reflects Victorian fears that unchecked ambition led to horrifying outcomes.'

joy
excitement
jealousy
anger
Correct answer: horror

Q6.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', despite the pain, Jekyll enjoys becoming Hyde because ...

he experiences a physical transformation that makes him stronger.
he believes it helps him better understand human nature.
Correct answer: he finds freedom in expressing his repressed, immoral desires.
he wishes to impress others with his scientific capabilities.

To help you plan your 11 English lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': a critique of unchecked scientific ambition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...