Core Skills Analysis
English Literature
Lisa read "Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" and identified the central theme of duality between good and evil. She examined how Robert Louis Stevenson used literary devices such as foreshadowing, symbolism, and irony to reveal the characters' inner conflicts. By summarizing each chapter, Lisa practiced sequencing events and interpreting motive. She also discussed how the narrative structure contributed to suspense and moral ambiguity.
History
Lisa explored the Victorian London setting of the novel, noting the impact of rapid industrialization and urban poverty on daily life. She learned about 19th‑century scientific attitudes toward medicine and the emerging field of psychology. By connecting the story to real historical concerns about crime and social reform, Lisa gained insight into how literature reflects its era. She also recognized how class distinctions shaped the characters' opportunities and fears.
Citizenship & Ethics
Lisa reflected on the moral choices made by Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, considering responsibility for one’s actions despite external influences. She discussed the ethical implications of separating one’s “good” and “bad” selves and how society judges behavior. By debating whether Jekyll was truly a victim or a villain, Lisa practiced empathy and critical thinking about personal accountability. This activity helped her articulate her own values in relation to the novel’s dilemmas.
Tips
To deepen Lisa's understanding, have her write a diary entry from both Jekyll’s and Hyde’s perspectives, focusing on voice and motivation. Next, organize a mini‑research project on Victorian medical practices and compare them with modern ethics in science. Encourage the class to stage a short dramatization of a key scene, allowing students to experiment with tone, staging, and character dynamics. Finally, guide Lisa in creating a modern retelling set in today’s world, highlighting how the theme of dual nature still resonates.
Book Recommendations
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley: A classic Gothic novel that explores creation, responsibility, and the consequences of playing God, echoing themes of duality and moral ambiguity.
- The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde: A tale of a young man who remains outwardly youthful while his portrait reflects his inner corruption, reinforcing ideas of hidden evil.
- The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells: Science‑fiction story about a man who discovers a way to become invisible and spirals into madness, linking Victorian science with ethical dilemmas.
Learning Standards
- EN3-1: Read and understand a range of literary texts, including classic novels.
- EN3-2: Analyse how language, structure and form shape meaning and affect the reader.
- HI3-1: Explain the influence of social, economic and cultural developments on people’s lives in the past.
- HI3-2: Use historical sources to develop an informed interpretation of the Victorian era.
- RS3-1: Discuss moral and ethical issues, developing personal viewpoints and respecting differing opinions.
Try This Next
- Worksheet: Compare and contrast Dr Jekyll, Mr Hyde, and a modern superhero’s secret identity using a Venn diagram.
- Quiz: 10 multiple‑choice questions on Victorian vocabulary, plot details, and character motivations.
- Art Prompt: Draw a split‑face portrait showing the two sides of Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde with symbolic colors.
- Writing Prompt: Rewrite the novel’s ending from the viewpoint of a London street child witnessing the climax.