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Year 11 - English

Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson

Jekyll & Hyde: society as the villain

Unit Summary

In this unit, pupils explore how the society the characters of 'Jekyll and Hyde' inhabit affects their interpretation of them. They first look at structure and the Gothic, before thinking carefully about how to use context. They then look at hypocrisy and write an essay about it in the novella.

Lesson Summary

You will learn to explore the hypocrisy of the character of Utterson throughout 'Jekyll and Hyde'.

Key Notes

  • The first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson, highlighting the tension between his curiosity and wilful ignorance
  • The word 'Case' in the title links to Utterson's legal profession, yet he is more concerned with reputation than justice
  • Stevenson makes us question whether Utterson remains friends with 'downgoing' men out of loyalty or repressed desires
  • Chapter 2 is key to understanding Utterson, as he is driven by curiosity to pursue Hyde as 'Mr Seek'
  • Chapters 1 and 7 are significant as Utterson chooses to ignore the signs of Jekyll's distress to protect his reputation

Vocabulary To Learn

  • Focalised: Focalised refers to the perspective from which the story is told. In 'Jekyll & Hyde' the first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson.
  • Third person limited: A third-person limited narrative structure is where a story is told from the perspective of one protagonist. We only see their thoughts.
  • Repression: Repression refers to the restraint, prevention or inhibition of a feeling or quality.
  • Justice: Justice concerns just behaviour or treatment.
  • Loyalty: If you are showing a strong feeling of support or allegiance then you are showing loyalty

Common Mistakes To Avoid

  • Mr. Utterson is an example of a respectable, Victorian gentleman.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

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

The first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson, highlighting the tension between his curiosity and wilful ignorance. The word 'Case' in the title links to Utterson's legal profession, yet he is more concerned with reputation than justice.

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

Focalised refers to the perspective from which the story is told. In 'Jekyll & Hyde' the first 8 chapters are focalised through Utterson.

3. Correct this common English misunderstanding.

Mistake: Mr. Utterson is an example of a respectable, Victorian gentleman. Correction: The reality is more complex. Utterson seems more concerned with protecting the reputation of Jekyll than pursuing any real justice.

More Lessons In This Unit

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