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3 Feb 2026

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6 pages

Exploring Jekyll and Hyde: Key Analysis and Exam Tips

mar

@myst1cmars

Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and... Show more

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# Jekyll and Hyde

Key Characters

▼ Utterson

▼ Why are they important?

He narrates most of the story.

▼ How do they change within the no

Key Characters - Utterson and Jekyll

Utterson is your main guide through this twisted tale - he narrates most of the story and basically becomes a detective trying to solve the mystery. He's presented as fundamentally good, but his curiosity grows stronger as he becomes more distant from Jekyll throughout the novel.

The duality of human nature is central to Jekyll's character. This respected scientist becomes obsessed with experiments about mankind's dual nature, which eventually alienates his professional friends. Victorian scientific development was controversial, and Jekyll represents the dangerous side of unchecked experimentation.

Jekyll's tragic arc shows him slowly losing control of his "other side" and becoming increasingly isolated. His famous quotes reveal his internal struggle: "You must suffer me to go my own dark way" shows his awareness that he's heading towards destruction.

Key Point: Jekyll's experiments reflect Victorian anxieties about scientific progress and moral boundaries - perfect exam material for discussing historical context!

Key Characters - Hyde and Lanyon

Hyde embodies everything Victorian society feared about human nature. He's the physical manifestation of Jekyll's sinful side, representing the argument that evil might be our true nature. His quotes like "mere animal terror" and "like some damned Juggernaut" emphasise his monstrous, unstoppable force.

What makes Hyde terrifying is how he gains more control over Jekyll, systematically destroying all of Jekyll's relationships. The historical context here is crucial - Victorian London's tensions between private and public lives, civilised versus natural behaviour.

Dr. Lanyon serves as Jekyll's scientific rival and moral compass. He fundamentally disagrees with Jekyll about how much evil exists within people, making him represent traditional scientific ethics versus Jekyll's dangerous experimentation.

Lanyon's role becomes vital near the novel's end when he reveals the truth about Jekyll and Hyde's relationship. His death from shock ("my soul sickened at it... I must die") shows the devastating impact of witnessing Jekyll's transformation.

Remember: Lanyon represents Victorian scientific respectability - use this contrast with Jekyll for strong analytical points about scientific development themes.

Key Characters - Poole and Exam Preparation

Poole might seem like just a servant, but he's actually crucial to the story's resolution. His long service to Jekyll means he knows his master's every movement, making him the perfect witness to realise something's seriously wrong. His quote "I believe in my heart that there has been murder done" shows his growing suspicion.

The good versus evil theme runs through Poole's character as his loyalty shifts from his employer to helping Utterson uncover the truth. His behaviour becomes increasingly "uncivilised" as Jekyll's situation deteriorates, reflecting Victorian anxieties about social order breaking down.

For your exams, typical questions will give you a 30-line extract and ask you to explore how Stevenson uses specific techniques to create certain effects. The key is starting with a thesis statement about the whole text, not just diving into the extract.

Remember the assessment objectives: AO1 focuses on your personal response with quotations, AO2 analyses language and structure, and AO3 connects the text to its Victorian context. Don't just identify individual words - link them to broader themes and Stevenson's overall intentions.

Exam Tip: Strong responses begin with an overarching thesis about the whole novel, then use the extract to support broader arguments about themes and techniques.

Plot Summary and Key Events

The story kicks off when Enfield tells Utterson about Hyde trampling a young girl, sparking Utterson's investigation. This leads to his famous declaration: "If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek" - showing his determination to uncover the truth.

The plot escalates dramatically when Hyde murders Sir Danvers Carew, with a servant girl witnessing the brutal attack. Utterson's detective work reveals suspicious similarities between Hyde's and Jekyll's handwriting, building tension about their connection.

Dr. Lanyon's mysterious death from shock marks a turning point, followed by Jekyll's increasingly erratic behaviour. The climactic scene where Utterson and Poole break into Jekyll's laboratory reveals Hyde's body wearing Jekyll's clothes - the final piece of the puzzle.

The story's structure builds suspense through multiple perspectives and delayed revelations. Utterson's letters from Lanyon and Jekyll finally explain the horrifying truth about the transformation, making readers piece together the mystery alongside the characters.

Plot Focus: The story's episodic structure mirrors Victorian detective fiction - perfect for discussing how Stevenson builds suspense and reveals character through action.

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Exploring Jekyll and Hyde: Key Analysis and Exam Tips

mar

@myst1cmars

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