Introducing the Gothic in 'Jekyll and Hyde'
I can understand how Stevenson conforms to, and subverts, Gothic conventions in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
Introducing the Gothic in 'Jekyll and Hyde'
I can understand how Stevenson conforms to, and subverts, Gothic conventions in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Gothic fiction is fascinated by strange places, yet Stevenson sets his story in London.
- The figure of Hyde allows Stevenson to explore violent differences in power.
- Gothic writing often focuses on irrational or illicit desires; Stevenson conforms to this.
- The uncanny is a key idea within the Gothic and links to duality, but also the human/ inhuman appearance of Hyde.
- Hyde seems to have supernatural powers and strength, conforming to the conventions of the gothic villain.
Keywords
Conform - To comply with certain rules, standards or laws.
Subvert - To corrupt or undermine something. In literature, if you subvert something you undermine what is expected.
Convention - The defining characteristics of a particular genre.
Genre - A particular style or category of literature.
Gothic - A genre of writing that is characterised by the inclusion of dark and supernatural elements.
Common misconception
'Jekyll and Hyde' is a stereotypically 'Gothic' novella.
Whilst certain elements of 'Jekyll and Hyde' do follow the conventions of the Gothic, others subvert it.
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Introducing the Gothic in 'Jekyll and Hyde', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 10 english lesson on: Introducing the Gothic in 'Jekyll and Hyde', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Jekyll & Hyde: duality and evil unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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