'Jekyll and Hyde' Chapter 5: Incident of the Letter
I can explore the themes of duality and concealment in Chapter 5.
'Jekyll and Hyde' Chapter 5: Incident of the Letter
I can explore the themes of duality and concealment in Chapter 5.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- 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
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.
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.
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).
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