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Year 10 - English

'Jekyll and Hyde': examining the novella's structure

Jekyll & Hyde: duality and evil

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils complete their first reading and exploration of 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'. They read the novella in full, before thinking about the importance of the Gothic, science and religion. They then explore key characters and essay writing before writing about duality in the novella.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explain how Stevenson uses narrative structure to present his ideas on duality in society.

Key Notes

  • Stevenson uses conventions of epistolary fiction to foreground the importance of letters and documents.
  • Letters provide clues as part of the detective plot, but also link to the theme of concealment.
  • The secrecy created by the epistolary form could represent the upper classes attempts to conceal unsavoury behaviour.
  • The majority of the novella is told in the third person limited, focalised through Utterson.
  • A sense of mistrust is created through unreliable narrators and a non-linear narrative.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Epistolary: a story told through letters or written communication between characters
  • Critique: a detailed evaluation, expressing opinions on merits and faults
  • Duality: the quality of having two sides or aspects - a dual nature
  • Concealment: the act of hiding or keeping something secret or out of sight

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Just mentioning Stevenson's choices surrounding form and structure is valuable analysis.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

1. Explain this English learning goal in two key points.

Stevenson uses conventions of epistolary fiction to foreground the importance of letters and documents. Letters provide clues as part of the detective plot, but also link to the theme of concealment.

2. Define this language term and use it in a sentence. 'Epistolary'

a story told through letters or written communication between characters.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Just mentioning Stevenson's choices surrounding form and structure is valuable analysis. Correction: All comments regarding Stevenson's use of form and structure should be tied back to Stevenson's purpose.

More Lessons In This Unit

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