Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson
I can explore the hypocrisy of the character of Utterson throughout ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson
I can explore the hypocrisy of the character of Utterson throughout ‘Jekyll and Hyde’.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning 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
- 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
Keywords
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 misconception
Mr. Utterson is an example of a respectable, Victorian gentleman.
The reality is more complex. Utterson seems more concerned with protecting the reputation of Jekyll than pursuing any real justice.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Hypocrisy in 'Jekyll and Hyde': the role of Utterson, 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.
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The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Jekyll & Hyde: society as the villain 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 violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended