'Jekyll and Hyde': a critique of unchecked scientific ambition
I can explain how Stevenson draws on Victorian anxieties about unchecked scientific progress in his depictions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
'Jekyll and Hyde': a critique of unchecked scientific ambition
I can explain how Stevenson draws on Victorian anxieties about unchecked scientific progress in his depictions of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Significant scientific advances during the height of the Industrial Revolution often used unethical practices.
- Stevenson draws on the 'mad scientist' trope to emphasise how the pursuit of knowledge can lead to a loss of humanity.
- Jekyll represents the respectable public face whereas Hyde represents the repressed desires he keeps hidden.
- Lanyon's horror at Hyde's transformation reflects Victorian fears that unchecked ambition led to horrifying outcomes.
- Jekyll describes his transformation as painful yet enjoyable because it frees him from moral expectations.
Keywords
Unethical - acting against moral principles or accepted standards of conduct
Archetype - typical example or original model of a character, theme or pattern in literature and art
Transcend - rise above or go beyond limits, often in terms of understanding or experience
Unchecked - not restrained, controlled, or regulated
Succumb - give in to pressure, temptation or weakness; to yield or surrender
Common misconception
All scientific developments during the Industrial Revolution were positive in terms of their impact on society.
While the Industrial Revolution was considered to be the 'golden age' of scientific development and innovation, much of the pioneering research was conducted under unethical conditions.
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': a critique of unchecked scientific ambition, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: 'Jekyll and Hyde': a critique of unchecked scientific ambition, 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 third deep dive unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to specific extracts from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson. You can find the extracts in the additional materials.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended