Welcome to the Mystery of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde!
Hello there! You are about to dive into one of the most famous stories ever written. Even if you have never read the book, you have probably heard the names Jekyll and Hyde used to describe someone who has two very different sides to their personality. This story is part of your 19th-century novel study for AQA English Literature.
Don't worry if the Victorian language seems a bit "old-fashioned" at first. At its heart, this is a detective story and a horror movie rolled into one. We are going to break it down so you can ace your exam!
Section 1: What is the Story Actually About?
Imagine you have a "perfect" version of yourself that you show to your teachers and parents, and a "wild" version that wants to break all the rules. Dr Jekyll is a respected scientist who figures out a way to physically separate these two sides using a chemical potion.
• Dr Jekyll is the "good," respectable side.
• Mr Hyde is the "evil," cruel side.
The problem? Once Jekyll lets Hyde out, he realizes he can't put him back in his box.
Key Terms to Remember:
Duality: This is the most important word for this book. It means that something has two parts. Stevenson argues that every human has a "dual" nature (good and evil).
Reputation: How other people see you. In the 1800s (Victorian times), having a good reputation was more important than almost anything else.
Victorian: The time period when the book was written (during the reign of Queen Victoria).
Quick Review: Jekyll wants to be "bad" without ruining his "good" reputation. He uses science to create Hyde so he can live a double life.
Section 2: Meet the Main Characters
It can be hard to keep track of everyone, so here is a simple breakdown of the "players" in this mystery:
1. Gabriel Utterson: He is the "detective" of the story. He is a lawyer—boring, serious, and very loyal. We see most of the story through his eyes.
Analogy: Think of Utterson like a sensible friend who is trying to figure out why his best mate is hanging out with a criminal.
2. Dr Henry Jekyll: A wealthy, popular doctor. He is smart but perhaps a bit too proud. He thinks he is clever enough to control evil.
3. Edward Hyde: The "villain." He is smaller and younger than Jekyll. People find him "deformed" or "disgusting" just by looking at him, even though they can't explain why.
Memory Trick: Hyde likes to Hide in the shadows, and he is Hideous!
4. Dr Lanyon: Another doctor and a former friend of Jekyll. He represents traditional science and religion. He is terrified by Jekyll’s "spooky" experiments.
Key Takeaway: Utterson is the "eyes" of the reader. We solve the mystery alongside him. Jekyll and Hyde are actually the same person, which is the big "twist" at the end of the book.
Section 3: The Big Themes (The "Why")
AQA examiners love it when you talk about themes. These are the big ideas Stevenson wanted us to think about.
Science vs. Religion
In the 1800s, Charles Darwin had just released his ideas about evolution. People were scared that humans were just "evolved animals" rather than special creations of God.
• Hyde is often described as "ape-like" or "troglodytic" (like a caveman).
• Stevenson is showing the fear that if we go too far with science, we might turn back into animals.
Victorian Secrecy
Victorian London was a city of two halves. There were rich, clean streets and dark, dirty slums.
• Jekyll’s House is a great example. The front is beautiful (the "good" side), but the back door (where Hyde enters) is blistered and neglected.
Did you know? This is a metaphor for the human mind! We show a "pretty" face to the world but keep our "dirty" secrets hidden in the back.
Don't forget: In the 19th century, men like Jekyll had to act perfectly all the time. This pressure is what makes him want to create Hyde in the first place—so he can finally have "fun" without being judged.
Section 4: The Setting and Symbols
Stevenson uses the city of London to create a spooky atmosphere. This is called Gothic writing.
The Fog: London is constantly covered in a thick, swirling fog.
• What it means: It represents the mystery. Just like the characters can't see through the fog, they can't "see" the truth about Jekyll and Hyde.
The Door: The door Hyde uses is "equipped with neither bell nor knocker." It is a barrier between the secret world and the real world.
Quick Tip: If you get a question about "atmosphere," always talk about the fog or the darkness. It makes the story feel like a nightmare.
Section 5: How to Write About the Book
When you write your essay, you need to show the examiner you understand why Stevenson wrote the book. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Focus on the Question. If the question is about Hyde, don't just say he is mean. Say he represents man's inner evil.
Step 2: Use "Writer's Intent." Instead of saying "Hyde is scary," try saying: "Stevenson uses animalistic imagery to present Hyde as a primitive force of nature."
Step 3: Mention the Context. Remind the examiner that Victorian readers would have been shocked by Jekyll’s behavior because reputation was so important.
Common Mistakes to Avoid:
• Don't call it "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" throughout the whole essay—use the full title once at the start: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
• Don't forget that the story is a mystery. For most of the book, the characters don't know Jekyll and Hyde are the same person.
• Don't just summarize the plot. The examiner knows what happens! They want to know how Stevenson uses language to make you feel things.
Final Key Takeaways for Your Revision
• The Main Idea: Everyone has a "good" and "evil" side (Duality).
• The Conflict: Science (Jekyll) trying to play God, which leads to disaster.
• The Symbol: The "ape-like" Hyde represents our hidden, primitive desires.
• The Setting: A foggy, dark London reflects the secrets the characters are keeping.
You've got this! Just remember: Jekyll is the man who wears the mask, and Hyde is the face underneath. Good luck with your study!