New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

'Jekyll and Hyde' Chapter 1: Meeting Mr Utterson

I can explain how Stevenson presents Mr. Utterson in the opening of the novella.

New
New
Year 10
Eduqas

'Jekyll and Hyde' Chapter 1: Meeting Mr Utterson

I can explain how Stevenson presents Mr. Utterson in the opening of the novella.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. In this opening chapter of his novella, Stevenson uses a third person narrator, focalised through Utterson
  2. Utterson is portrayed as a dull but reliable character who seems to live vicariously through others
  3. Stevenson draws attention to Utterson's profession, which proves that he is middle class
  4. The idea of social hierarchy is immediately introduced as Utterson is described as a 'gentleman'
  5. Utterson prides himself on his tact and despite his respectability, is a friend to 'downgoing' men

Keywords

  • Third person limited - When a narrative reveals only one character's thoughts and feelings, it employs a third person limited perspective.

  • Rugged - When terrain is rough and uneven, it is often described as rugged.

  • Scanty - When there is only a small quantity available, it's referred to as scanty.

  • Sentiment - Personal feelings or emotions, especially when influenced by individual views or experiences, are known as sentiment.

  • Duality - In this novella, duality is an important theme - the idea there are two sides to every person.

Common misconception

Students might think that "third person limited" means the narrative is limited in scope or detail.

"Third person limited" means insight into one character's thoughts, not a story's limited scope.

Start with a short visual on Victorian London to set the scene. During discussions, prompt students to compare Victorian norms with today's, aiding comprehension and relevance.
Teacher tip

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

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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6 Questions

Q1.
In Victorian London, what was a prevalent mode of transportation for the upper class?
Correct answer: horse-drawn carriages
steam-powered trains
bicycles
electric trams
walking on foot
Q2.
Which famous river runs through London, dividing it into North and South?
The Seine
Correct answer: The Thames
The Danube
The Rhine
The Nile
Q3.
If land is descried as being 'rugged' what do you think it means?
serene and quiet
Correct answer: rough and uneven
flat and well-kept
Q4.
What significant event took place in Victorian London during the 19th century that greatly impacted society?
The Great Fire of London
Correct answer: The Industrial Revolution
The Battle of Trafalgar
The Norman Conquest
The Renaissance
Q5.
In Victorian London, what was the common occupation of a 'chimney sweep'?
Tea merchant
Coachman
Street performer
Correct answer: Child labourer cleaning chimneys
Tailor
Q6.
During the Victorian era, what was a common nickname for the city of London?
The Big Apple
The City of Lights
The Foggy Capital
Correct answer: The Big Smoke
The Emerald City

6 Questions

Q1.
In the opening chapter of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', what narrative perspective is primarily used?
First-person
Second-person
Correct answer: Third-person limited
Third-person omniscient
Q2.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', who is the central character through whose perspective the reader experiences Chapter 1?
Dr. Jekyll
Correct answer: Mr. Utterson
Mr. Enfield
Mr. Hyde
Q3.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', Mr Utterson's profession is a .
Correct Answer: lawyer, lawyer., Lawyer., Lawyer
Q4.
Complete this sentence: in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', is an important theme - the idea there are two sides to every person.
Correct Answer: duality, Duality., duality., Duality
Q5.
In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr Hyde', what does it mean when Stevenson describes Utterson as “the last good influence in the lives of down-going men”?
Correct answer: As a lawyer, Utterson should support, not judge.
It is Utterson's job to ensure criminals are punished.
Utterson should turn a blind eye to crime.
Q6.
What is the significance of juxtaposition between the bustling street and the dingy neighbourhood in the first chapter of 'The Strange Care of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde'?
it signifies danger
Correct answer: it could foreshadow the theme of duality
it makes the novella feel mysterious