'Jekyll and Hyde': exploring the duplicity of the upper class characters
I can use context to explain the complicity of other characters in the actions of Hyde.
'Jekyll and Hyde': exploring the duplicity of the upper class characters
I can use context to explain the complicity of other characters in the actions of Hyde.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Whilst Jekyll is clearly culpable for the creation of Hyde, arguably others are complicit in his crimes.
- Dr. Lanyon learns the truth but chooses not to expose Jekyll.
- Utterson fails to take opportunities to unearth the truth, instead choosing to keep secrets sealed away.
- Through Enfield, and other characters, Stevenson is critical of the hypocrisy of the upper-middle classes.
Keywords
Complicit - involvement in wrongdoing or playing a part in a questionable act
Duplicitous - being deceptive and lacking in honesty
Hypocrisy - pretending to be what one is not; saying one thing, doing another
to indulge - allow oneself to enjoy or have something pleasurable
Analogy - showing similarities to explain an idea
Common misconception
Jekyll is the only character responsible for the crimes of Hyde.
A more nuanced understanding of the text explores the complicity of other characters and the decisions they make.
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 serious crime
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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