The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
This subtopic explores Robert Louis Stevenson's novella 'The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', examining its intricate narrative structure, duality of human nature, and Victorian societal anxieties. Students will analyse how Stevenson uses Gothic conventions, symbolism, and characterisation to critique the repression and hypocrisy of the era. The practical application lies in developing critical literary analysis skills, particularly in evaluating how language, form, and structure create meaning and effect, preparing learners for the demands of the WJEC GCSE examination.
Learning Objectives
What you need to know and understand
- Analyse how Stevenson uses language and structure to present the theme of duality in the novella.
- Evaluate the significance of the Victorian social context in shaping characters' actions and attitudes.
- Explore Stevenson's use of setting and symbolism to create an atmosphere of tension and mystery.
- Assess the role of minor characters, such as Utterson and Lanyon, in driving the narrative and revealing key ideas.
- Compare the characters of Jekyll and Hyde, considering how Stevenson portrays their relationship and the implications for identity.
Marking Points
Key points examiners look for in your answers
- Award credit for sustained analysis of Stevenson's language choices, such as the use of pathetic fallacy to mirror Hyde's brutality.
- Credit responses that embed relevant contextual knowledge, like contemporary fears of degeneration or the dual nature of Victorian morality.
- Examiners will reward critical evaluation of the narrative structure, e.g., the use of multiple narrators to create suspense and ambiguity.
- Look for precise references to textual details, including quotations, and a clear line of argument that addresses the question.
- High marks require a conceptualised approach, linking symbols (e.g., the door, the potion) to overarching themes.
Examiner Tips
Expert advice for maximising your marks
- 💡Always anchor your response in the writer's methods: focus on language, form, and structure, not just what happens.
- 💡Use the 'What, How, Why' model: identify a device, explain its effect, and link to the author's purpose and context.
- 💡Plan your essay to ensure a clear thesis that runs throughout, avoiding a description of events; aim for a coherent, conceptualised argument.
- 💡For extract-based questions, integrate wider knowledge of the novella to show a comprehensive understanding of themes across the text.
Common Mistakes
Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers
- Students often treat Hyde as merely an evil alter ego without exploring the psychological complexity of Jekyll's repressed desires.
- A frequent error is neglecting the importance of the Victorian context, leading to superficial character analysis disconnected from social pressures.
- Many responses describe plot events rather than analysing how Stevenson's methods shape meaning, losing marks for narrative rather than analytical writing.
- Mistaking Utterson's perspective as neutral rather than recognising his own repressed curiosity and bias, which manipulates reader perception.
Study Guide Available
Comprehensive revision notes & examples
Key Terminology
Essential terms to know
- Duality of human nature
- Reputation and respectability in Victorian society
- Science versus religion and ethics
- Gothic horror and the uncanny
- Secrecy and repression
- Narrative perspective and unreliability
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