Utterson visits Jekyll in his laboratory, which is full of symbols relating to concealment
Utterson assumes that Jekyll is a victim of blackmail and must be concealing a secret to protect his reputation
The setting of London and the motif of fog in particular further link to concealment
The forged letter provides another key clue to Jekyll and Hyde's linked identity and therefore duality
The letter is another key clue which forms part of the detective plot

Keywords

Dissecting-rooms - Dissecting-rooms are places where anatomical dissections are carried out, typically for scientific or medical purposes.
Cupola - A cupola is a small dome, especially one adorning the top of a building or structure.
Baize - Baize is a soft, usually green, felt-like material used to cover billiard tables, among other things.
Cheval-glass - A cheval-glass is a full-length mirror mounted on swivelling frames, allowing one to see oneself from head to toe.
Carbuncle - A carbuncle is a bright red gem, often used to describe something glowing or shining.

Common misconception

Character is more important than setting when trying to solve mystery.

Jekyll tells Utterson there is nothing he should worry about - this is not true. Ask pupils how the setting indicates that Jekyll is lying.

Encourage critical thinking by discussing how duality and concealment extend beyond the text into our own lives. Explore modern examples to connect the themes to students' experiences and foster deeper understanding.

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 violence or suffering

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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Worksheet

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Starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

Sort the characters below into the order the reader is introduced to them in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.'

1 - Mr. Utterson

2 - Mr. Enfield

3 - Mr. Hyde

4 - Dr. Jekyll

Q2.

In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what is the significance of the street where Mr. Hyde's residence is located in the story?

It's a prestigious neighborhood.

It's the heart of London's financial district.

Correct answer: It's a crime-ridden and impoverished area.

Q3.

In Chapter 4 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what shocking event occurs in London that adds to the story's sense of foreboding?

A financial crisis

A devastating fire

Correct answer: A gruesome murder

Q4.

What role do fog and darkness play in the atmosphere of Victorian London in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?

They symbolise darkness.

They suggest London is dangerous.

Correct answer: They create a sense of mystery and concealment.

Q5.

How is the contrast between the wealthy and impoverished parts of London depicted in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?

Correct answer: Impoverished areas are dark and dingy, whilst the rich areas bustle and thrive.

Both wealthy and impoverished areas are portrayed as unnerving places.

Impoverished areas are completely separate to the wealthy areas of London.

Q6.

In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what role does the city of London itself play as a backdrop to the events?

London is a passive, unimportant setting.

Correct answer: London is portrayed as a character with its own influence on the characters.

London is a mystical, magical place.

Exit quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.

In Chapter 5 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', who does Dr. Jekyll say the letter is from?

Correct Answer: Mr. Hyde, Mr Hyde, Hyde

Q2.

In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', why does Utterson believe Hyde has such a strong hold of Jekyll?

Utterson believes they are related.

Correct answer: Utterson believes Hyde is blackmailing Jekyll.

Utterson believes Hyde works for Jekyll.

Q3.

What word, meaning small dome, is missing from this quotation from 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde': "light falling dimly through the foggy "

Correct Answer: cupola, Cupola, cupola., Cupola.

Q4.

Which of the following is not a symbol of concealment that appears in Chapter 5 of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'?

Correct answer: a locked door

a barred window

a letter

a hidden laboratory

Q5.

Starting with the first, put these clues into the order they appear in 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde'.

1 - the cheque

2 - the will

3 - the broken walking stick

4 - the letter from Hyde

Q6.

In 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde', what is the significance of learning that Jekyll's laboratory used to be used for education but is now used for private experimentation?

Correct answer: Perhaps private experimentation reflects Jekyll's inner, hidden desires.

It highlights Jekyll's change throughout the novella.

It shows Jekyll is a reserved and shy man.