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Year 10 - English

'Jekyll and Hyde': the importance of science and religion in the novella

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 Stevenson's views on science and religion and how these materialise in the novella.

Key Notes

  • Arguably, Stevenson is critical of trangressive scientists.
  • Stevenson plays on the real fears of scientific development and Darwinism in his novella.
  • Stevenson, raised a strict Calvinist, rejected his faith.
  • Calvinism was an evangelical branch of Christianity.
  • Stevenson is arguably very critical of the role Christianity played in the moral and political aspects of society.

Vocabulary To Learn

  • The Enlightenment: the period in which people began to value reason and rationale as a means to pursuing truth, knowledge and freedom
  • To transgress: violate a boundary, law or social norm; go beyond established limits or norms
  • Evangelical: adherence to conservative religious beliefs
  • Progressive: favouring progress, reform or innovation; open to new ideas and social improvement
  • Piety: deeply religious devotion; demonstrating a strong commitment to religious principles

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • All Christians were against scientific development.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

Arguably, Stevenson is critical of trangressive scientists. Stevenson plays on the real fears of scientific development and Darwinism in his novella.

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

the period in which people began to value reason and rationale as a means to pursuing truth, knowledge and freedom.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: All Christians were against scientific development. Correction: Within all religions (or groups in society) there will be plurality of thought, including progressive viewpoints.

More Lessons In This Unit

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