Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is an intriguing interpretation of 19th-century life, culture, and society. Despite the evolution of social and cultural norms since its publication in 1886, students can identify with many of the themes, specifically the influence of societal expectations on a person’s individuality. Students should consider the way they alter their expression (language, actions, dress, formality, etc.) according to where they are (school, home, friend’s house, parties) and who they are with (parents, friends, boss, siblings). How do societal expectations help to shape individuals? How do they inhibit them?
The interactions among characters (for example, in chapter one, Stevenson observes two friends—Mr. Enfield and Mr. Utterson—whose conversations are described as formal and impersonal; they are not even on a first-name basis) may seem strange to students who are unfamiliar with the formality of 19th-century society. Teachers can incorporate historical context within classroom discussions to help students better understand the novella. Students should envision Victorian ideals as mask-like. Dr. Jekyll personifies the mask; his status and reputation coincide with nineteenth century ideals, while the underlying manifestation of his true self, Mr. Hyde, remains concealed.
Teachers can also use the novella as an example of allegory, a story that has a deeper, hidden meaning (usually moral or political). Dr. Jekyll symbolizes the ideal Victorian man; his alter-ego, Mr. Hyde, represents the man who is free of all social and political constraints. Once Dr. Jekyll has experienced freedom from societal limitations, he is consumed and transformed by it and, eventually, is unable to return to his former self.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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Summary of The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Key Facts
- Publication Date: 1886
- Length: 80 pages
- Lexile Measure: 1060L
- Recommended Grade Band: 11-12
After developing a serum that will separate the two identities that exist within him—the one that is expressed and the one that is repressed—Dr. Jekyll has the ability to appear as two different men: Dr. Jekyll, his professional personality; and Mr. Hyde, his evil alter-ego. The novella follows the investigation of a curious lawyer, Mr. Utterson, who struggles to identify the connection between Jekyll and Hyde.
Content Warning: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde contains instances of violence/aggression, death, and murder.
What Your Students Will Love About The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- The curiosity of the novel’s characters
- The mysterious complexity of the novel, which gradually unravels with each turn of the page
Potential Student Struggles With The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Stevenson’s 19th-century diction and vocabulary
- Recognizing the deeper meaning of the text
Learning Objectives for The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Understand characters’ roles and social expectations within Victorian society.
- Discuss 19th-century advancements in science and psychology; emphasize the common stigmas and fears attached to them.
- Recognize the moral allegory to identify the author’s intention.
- Observe the duality of human nature.
- Notice the novel’s use of imagery (for example, light versus dark) and how these descriptors contribute to the development of the novel.
Literary Elements in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- Allegory
- Dualism
- Foreshadowing
- Metaphor
- Simile
- Symbol
- And more!
Major Themes in The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Unnatural Beings — After concocting a serum that can split the two sides of his personality into separate beings, Dr. Jekyll is able to exist both as himself and as his evil alter ego, Mr. Hyde.
Related Works:
Hidden Truths — Mr. Utterson is suspicious of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde's relationship from the novella's very beginning, and he makes it his mission to uncover their secret.
Related Works:
Reason vs. the Supernatural — Mr. Utterson's investigation reflects his logical approach to life; he cannot understand the Jekyll-Hyde relationship until he acknowledges that sometimes, truth exists outside of reason.
Related Works:
Other Resources for The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
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This free guide was originally posted in October 2017. It has been updated as of August 2021.