Stevenson’s use of structure in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’
I can write about the structure of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ and how it links to key themes in the novella.
Stevenson’s use of structure in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’
I can write about the structure of ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ and how it links to key themes in the novella.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- The power of human curiosity is key theme shown through the detective form and final narratives of Lanyon and Jekyll.
- Concealment is a key theme shown through the motif of letters and the detective form.
- False appearances is a key theme shown through the motif of the mask.
- Arguably the novella's climax is the breaking down of the door to Jekyll's cabinet, linking to secrecy and concealment.
- Jekyll offers a "full statement" in the denouement, yet we don't see Utterson's response or the consequences of this.
Keywords
Exposition - Exposition introduces the characters, explains past events and describes the setting of the story.
Rising Action - The part of the story leading to the climax, in which the tension grows, is known as rising action.
Climax - The turning point in a story, where tension is highest, is known as a climax.
Denouement - The final part of a story, in which the loose ends are brought together and the story is resolved is known as a denouement.
Motif - A motif is an object or image that is repeated throughout a story.
Common misconception
All stories can be unambiguously plotted on a Freytag's Pyramid. It is clear which element is which.
Complex stories, like Jekyll and Hyde, are open to interpretation as to how each element can be plotted on the pyramid.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Stevenson’s use of structure in ‘Jekyll and Hyde’, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Stevenson’s use of structure 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: 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 sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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