The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson

1. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson Ms Nitsche

2. Robert Louis Stevenson was born in 1850 in Edinburgh. • A sickly child, suffering from what we now know to be tuberculosis, he moved to the south of England, France and Samoa, among many, throughout his life to ease the symptoms. • His most famous texts are Treasure Island, Kidnapped, and A Child’s Garden of Verses. The Author

3. One night, in 1885, Stevenson had a nightmare. • It was so intriguing he began writing what was to become The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. • He finished the first draft in three days. • His wife, however, thought it was simply a scary story – she challenged him to go further, and look at the philosophical possibilities with an exploration of the darker side of human nature. The Novella

4. Rise of the working class • To some, Hyde represents the growing power of the social classes, who by now had been given the power to vote, and were becoming aware of readings by Karl Marx on the notion of equal wealth for all. Context and Symbolism

5. Darwinism • The 19th century brought with it a huge crisis in religion and faith, due to Darwin’s theory of evolution – the idea that religious teachings in Creation were untrue, and that man had evolved like other creatures. • Hyde represents the survival of the fittest, and as a natural man, he is unrestricted by social conventions and barriers in the same was Jekyll is. Context and Symbolism

6. Freud • Sigmund Freud, a Viennese doctor, had begun what would later become psychoanalysis, a method of analysing emotions and disorders. • Freud believed we were influenced by impulses that we are not always aware of – the subconscious. • Was Hyde Jekyll’s subconscious desire to delve into the darker side of his nature? Context and Symbolism

7. In Jekyll and Hyde, Stevenson sets up a strong contrast between the primitive, animalistic self and the civilized, respectable self. One way to understand ‘primitive’ is to think of a toddler or small animal, or basic human urges – greedy, selfish, not polite. The primitive self doesn’t understand social conventions or taboos (things you shouldn’t do). It's easily frightened, quick to fight. In adults, there are basic lusts and desires. No understanding of law. Social and Historical Context

8. This is represented by Mr Hyde. He is the personification not just of evil, but of ‘primitive’ human urges. He is a very extreme version of something we all have inside, but which we keep hidden. • In Freudian psychology, this selfish, basic part of our nature is called the Id. The Id is usually kept in balance with the other parts of our nature. We may want to be greedy, lustful, rude, etc., but we have been brought up to be polite and have self-control, and respect other people, not just ourselves. • We (unlike Mr Hyde) are civilized and ‘respectable’. We care what society (other people) think of us. In Jekyll and Hyde, society and civilization are represented (‘personified’) by Lanyon and Utterson (among others). Social and Historical Context

9. Some people would argue that this ‘veneer [a thin layer] of civilization’ is not as strong as the basic urges that rage underneath. Our primitive self is always trying to break out. We have urges or impulses which we have to fight and keep under control. This constant battle between primitive and civilized self causes tension. • Think about how violently the respectable characters in the book always want to stamp Hyde out. They dislike him violently, and even want to kill him. This contrast shows the conflict between primitive urges and civilization. Social and Historical Context

10. The Victorian perspective • Before Stevenson wrote, Charles Darwin discovered that man was a form of ape, a type of animal. This was a big problem. Animals, and ‘nature’ were thought of as brutal: ‘nature red in tooth and claw’ (Tennyson). Also, if man were a type of animal, he could not be ‘made in God’s image.’ • This shocked Victorian sensibilities and led to a crisis of faith and of identity. Stevenson shows this tension (that existed in people’s minds), literally, by showing how people are terrified by Hyde’s ape-like, primitive behaviour. • In Hyde, Stevenson shows us the horror of man-as-ape in contrast to the more pleasing idea of man as god-like. The man-ape is a trope (typical image) of late Victorian literature, especially in the horror genre. Social and Historical Context

11. In the novel, religion and science are strong themes which are often in conflict. • Jekyll’s ‘fantastic’ experiments are so shocking to the respectable, conventional Dr Lanyon that they kill him, and indeed, end up killing Jekyll. • At the darkest moments of the novel there are many appeals to God, none of which seem to be answered. • There is no happy ending in this book. The dark experiments of science only end in death, destruction and despair. Task: Find quotations to support each of the bullet points above. Social and Historical Context

12. Look at the descriptions of Jekyll and Hyde – what are they like? Are there any contrasts yet? • Think about the descriptions of the setting – does it contribute to the mood, atmosphere or tone of the novel? Chapter 1

13. Find at least FIVE quotations which build an idea of Hyde as a character. • How do these contribute to our initial impressions of Hyde? • Has the writer used any particular techniques, such as similes, metaphors, other imagery, etc.? If so identify them. Chapters 1 and 2 – ‘The Story of the Door’ and ‘The Search for Mr Hyde’

14. Break the sentence down – look at the meaning and connotations of individual words, techniques and phrases, as well as the whole sentence. • 2. Think about what the whole sentence suggests. • 3. Comment on the context of the quotation – what does this show us if we consider the novel as a whole? Analysing quotations

15. 1. Break the sentence down – look at the meaning and connotations of individual words, techniques and phrases, as well as the whole sentence. e.g”…the man trampled calmly over the child’s body and left her screaming on the ground. It sounds nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see.” • “calmly” suggests Hyde had no compulsions over harming the child, and contrast between this and and “screaming” emphasises how callous he was. • “Hellish” not only tells us how awful a sight it was, but links Hyde’s actions to something evil, or “damned”. 3 Steps for Analysing Quotations

16. 2. Think about what the whole sentence suggests. e.g. ”…the man trampled calmly over the child’s body and left her screaming on the ground. It sounds nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see.” The sentence shows that there is no mercy in Hyde’s actions, as well as highlighting the brutality of what Lanyon has witnessed. 3 Steps for Analysing Quotations

17. 3. Comment on the context of the quotation. e.g. ”…the man trampled calmly over the child’s body and left her screaming on the ground. It sounds nothing to hear, but it was hellish to see.” Already we become aware of Hyde’s cruelty and vicious nature, even in harming an innocent child. This brutal incident foreshadows the violence and evil that Hyde continues to wreak throughout the novel. 3 Steps for Analysing Quotations

18. Find FIVE quotations which build an idea of Hyde as a character and, using the 3 steps, analyse them. • How do these contribute to our initial impressions of Hyde? • Has the writer used any particular techniques, such as similes, metaphors, other imagery, etc.? If so identify them. Chapters 1 and 2 – ‘The Story of the Door’ and ‘The Search for Mr Hyde’

19. In your groups discuss the following questions: • After their meeting, what do Lanyon and Utterson both suspect about the relationship between Jekyll and Hyde? What evidence does the text give for this suspicion? • What picture do you have in your mind of Edward Hyde’s appearance? For what reasons might Stevenson have deliberately avoided describing him fully? • All of the characters in the story who see Hyde comment on how uncomfortable his appearance makes them feel. Why do you think this is? Does Hyde symbolise something else? ‘The Story of the Door’ – ‘Incident of the Letter’

20. Have group members read aloud the following scenes: • Enfield’s description of the trampling of the little girl. • Utterson’s first meeting with Hyde. • The maid’s account of the murder of Carew. In your groups discuss Stevenson’s use of language in these scenes, and what feelings or atmosphere Stevenson is trying to convey (make sure you copy down any key quotes and notes as you discuss – this will make things much easier when trying to find quotations). Also comment on why readers and audiences seem to be either attracted to or repelled my anger and violence. ‘The Story of the Door’ – ‘Incident of the Letter’

21. In this part of the novella we learn more about the main characters through what they say and do, as well as other people’s reactions to them. • What do we learn about: - Jekyll - Hyde - Lanyon - Utterson Make specific reference to the text. i.e. Jekyll has become more religious: “He came out of his seclusion, renewed relations with his friends, became once more their familiar guest and entertainer; and whilst he had always been known for charities, he was now no less distinguished for religion.” (p28) ‘Remarkable Incident of Dr Lanyon’ -‘The Last Night’

22. What do we know about Jekyll and his character? Make reference to the text. • From ‘Remarkable Incident of Dr Lanyon’ to ‘The Last Night’, Jekyll becomes increasingly isolated. • Why is isolation dangerous for him? • What does he sacrifice by shunning himself his friends? Dr Jekyll

23. 1. Describe the reason that Dr. Lanyon became estranged from Dr. Jekyll. What does this indicate about Lanyon’s character? 2. Why is Utterson so obsessed with images from Enfield’s story about Hyde that he cannot sleep? 3. Once Utterson confronts Hyde, how does he feel toward him? What reasons does Utterson give for his feelings about Hyde? In Utterson’s response to Hyde, what does Stevenson tell us about Hyde? 4. Why doesn’t Stevenson ever tell us what Hyde’s face looks like? 5. Describe the appearance of the street and house in which Dr. Jekyll lives. What can we infer about Dr. Jekyll from this setting? 6. Utterson’s speculation on Jekyll’s connection to Hyde makes him reflect on his own vices and failings. What could Stevenson be implying about human nature in Utterson’s reflection? CHAPTER 2 – SEARCH FOR MR. HYDE

24. How does Jekyll describe Lanyon? What does this suggest about Jekyll’s feelings about his own abilities? • What does Jekyll ask of Utterson at the end of the chapter? Why does Utterson have strong misgivings about this request? CHAPTER 3 – DR. JEKYLL WAS QUITE AT EASE

25. 1. What is revealed about the levels of Victorian society in the first page of this chapter? 2. How is Hyde described as he kills Sir Danvers Carew? How does this image fit with the other physical descriptions Stevenson has given of Hyde? 3. As Utterson takes the police officer to arrest Hyde, Stevenson gives a vivid description of “the dismal quarter of Soho” where Hyde lives. What is the effect of this description on our mood? What is the effect of this description on our understanding of Hyde? 4. Why do you think that Utterson feels “a terror of the law and the law’s officers”? 5. Is there any significance in the fact that although Hyde’s specific facial features cannot be recognized, everyone remembers the sense of deformity he conveyed? CHAPTER 4 – THE CAREW MURDER CASE

26. 1. Dr. Jekyll is a changed man when Utterson greets him in this chapter compared to the last time Utterson saw him. What accounts for this change? 2. What lesson do you think Jekyll has learned? CHAPTER 5 –INCIDENT OF THE LETTER

27. CHAPTER 6 REMARKABLE INCIDENT OF DR. LANYON • What happens to Dr. Lanyon? Is there any suggestion about what has caused his illness? CHAPTER 7 INCIDENT AT THE WINDOW • Why does Utterson mutter “God forgive us” after the incident at the window? CHAPTER 8 THE LAST NIGHT 1. Why does Poole believe that his master has been murdered? 2. What is the evidence that a troubled person had lived in the room where Hyde was found dead? Chapter Recap

28. What caused Lanyon to become mortally ill? • How do we know that Lanyon was so vulnerable to shock? • Has Stevenson sufficiently prepared us for the disastrous effect of Jekyll’s revelations? • Why did Stevenson need to kill Lanyon off for purposes of plot? • Why did Jekyll want to reveal his transformation to Dr. Lanyon? CHAPTER 9 - DR. LANYON’S NARRATIVE

29. Create a revision poster/visual display exploring the character of Dr Jekyll. You should include: • A description of how Dr Jekyll is portrayed, what other characters think of him, and how he changes throughout the novel. • An explanation of how Stevenson uses Jekyll to explore key themes, such as addiction and the duality of man. • At least FIVE key quotations and analysis. Dr Jekyll Task

30. Why do you think Stevenson chooses to open his story by introducing Utterson to the reader? • What contrary aspects of Utterson’s character does he draw attention to and why do you think he does this? • How is Enfield different from Utterson and why does he say that “it was a nut to crack for many, what these two could see in each other, etc.”? • How does he deepen the sense of mystery about their friendship and why do you think he does so? Mr Utterson:Story of the Door

31. Why do hosts love to detain Utterson after dinner and how does the author again draw our attention to contradictory patterns of behaviour amongst his old cronies? • What does Utterson plead with Jekyll to do and how does he offer to help him? • Why do you think Utterson doesn’t report the fact that he recognises the stick and what does this tell us about him? Uttersonbecomes increasingly obsessed by Hyde, visits their mutual friend Dr Lanyon to find out if he knows anything about him and then haunts the strange door until he encounters the enigmatic and fiendish Hyde, a man of few words and an ugly look. • How are our suspicions increased about the identity of the anonymous gentleman and his relationship with Jekyll? • How does the author show that Utterson is very disturbed by what he knows? • What reasons does the author have for making Uttersonvisit Dr Lanyon? • How and why does Stevenson stress how obsessed Uttersonis becoming? • What impression does Hyde make on the lawyer? • How does he create tension in the dialogue between them? Mr Utterson:Search for Mr Hyde Mr Utterson:Dr Jekyll was Quite at Ease, The Carew Murder Case

32. That same afternoon, Utterson finds his friend at home and for the first time he is shown into Jekyll’s private study where he finds the doctor much changed, vowing that he is done with Hyde and producing a letter which he claims came from him, but Utterson’s suspicions are aroused about how genuine the letter actually is. • Why do you think Utterson likes Hyde’s letter “well enough”? • Why do you think Jekyll shows Utterson “Hyde’s” letter and how is the lawyer now convinced that Hyde meant to murder Henry Jekyll? • Why is Utterson a bit suspicious about the letter and by the end of this chapter even more suspicious about Jekyll’s relationship with Hyde? • What conclusion does Utterson reach, how does he react and what does this reveal about him? Mr Utterson:Incident of the Letter

33. For about two months all seems well as Hyde has disappeared, but the dramatic transformation in Dr Lanyon’s health and his sudden death increase our suspicions, especially after a “darkly mysterious” reply to Utterson from Jekyll and the letters from Lanyon, with their enigmatic instructions, which are left in Utterson’scare. • Why has Utterson now begun to recover from “the hotness of his alarm etc.”? • How is his optimism suddenly undermined? • How does Jekyll’s reply to Utterson also increase the mystery and what conclusion does the lawyer come to about the cause of it all? • How are Utterson’s fears for his friend increased by Lanyon’s letter? • Why is he tempted to open the second envelope and why does his failure to do so increase the suspense? Mr Utterson:Remarkable Incident of Dr Lanyon

34. In the shortest chapter in the story, Stevenson appears to offer us a false ending as we return to the starting point with Utterson and his friend Enfield once again standing before the strange door on their Sunday evening walk, ironically assuming that the story is at an end, but a brief unexpected encounter with Jekyll through an open window leaves them horrified. 1. Comment on how Stevenson uses light to suggest contrasting moods. 2. How does the meeting at the window arouse sympathy for Jekyll and also appear at first to confirm Utterson’sdoubts about the doctor’s sanity. Mr Utterson: Incident at the Window

35. The Last Night Stevenson now increases the pace of the story dramatically as Poole, who suspects “foul play”, seeks Utterson’s help to deal with the “creature” lurking in Jekyll’s study that sounds and looks like Hyde, but when they finally break the door down and find Hyde has committed suicide, many mysteries still remain to be explained in Lanyon’s and Jekyll’s letters. • As he has done throughout, Stevenson offers us a number of false theories or explanations at this point. Why does Poole believe that his master has been murdered and what is the problem with this theory? • What conclusion does Utterson now come to, why does Poole not agree and what is the lawyer’s reaction to this? Mr Utterson: The Last Night

36. Utterson now opens Lanyon’s letter which has been locked away in his safe. It firstly tells of Jekyll’s letter to Lanyon desperately pleading for help by asking him to secretly fetch chemicals from Jekyll’s study and wait in his consulting room after midnight for the arrival of a messenger who turns out to be Hyde. Lanyon’s scientific curiosity gets the better of him and he cannot resist watching the horrific transformation of Hyde back into Henry Jekyll which leaves Lanyon dying from the shock of what he has witnessed. 1. From the tone of his letter to Lanyon, how can we tell what state of mind Jekyll was in? 2. What conclusion does Lanyon come to about what is wrong with Jekyll and how does he show his fear as he awaits the arrival of the messenger? 3a. We are not told until near the end of the chapter who the visitor is, but how can we work out that it is Hyde? b. Explain the ambiguity in Lanyon’s question “Are you come from Dr Jekyll?” 4a. What effect does he have on Lanyon and how far is this similar to the effect on others? b. Why does he later think he was mistaken about the cause of this effect? (foot p.77) 5. How is the visitor’s desperation emphasised and how and why does he show aspects of Jekyll rather than Hyde throughout this chapter? 6. What choice is Lanyon offered and why does he make the choice he does? 7. What effect does the revelation have on Lanyon and what do you think he finds hardest to accept or live with? Dr Lanyon’s Narrative

37. The novel finishes with ‘Henry Jekyll's Full Statement of the Case’ – where we finally hear Jekyll’s version of the events we have witnessed, and the horrifying truth behind them. However, we do not learn how Utterson reacts to the statement, or what action – if any – he takes. • Why do you think this is? • How do you imagine he reacts? What action do you think he would take? Mr Utterson

38. Revision - Characterisation