Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and... Show more
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12 Jan 2026
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Exploring Jekyll and Hyde: Key Analysis and Exam Tips
mar
@myst1cmars
1 / 6
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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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Jekyll and Hyde: Key Analysis and Exam Tips
mar
@myst1cmars
Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a gripping Victorian tale that explores the dark side of human nature. The story follows lawyer Mr. Utterson as he investigates the mysterious connection between the respected... Show more
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!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
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.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Most popular content: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Most popular content in English Literature
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Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user