Unveiling the Duality: Exploring the First Chapter of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Unveiling the Duality: Exploring the First Chapter of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, we will aim to understand the key themes and characters in the first chapter of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

What do you already know about the duality of human nature?

Introduction to the Novel

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a gothic novella written by Robert Louis Stevenson, known for its exploration of the duality of human nature through the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.

The Setting

The story is set in Victorian London, a city characterized by stark social divisions and moral constraints.

Characters

The main characters introduced in the first chapter include Mr. Utterson, Dr. Jekyll, and Mr. Hyde. Each character embodies different aspects of human nature.

The Enigma of Mr. Hyde

Mr. Hyde is initially described as a sinister and malevolent figure, shrouded in mystery and associated with questionable activities.

Themes in the First Chapter

The first chapter introduces themes of duality, secrecy, and the conflicting nature of human behavior, setting the stage for the unfolding narrative.

Interactive Analysis

Engage in a group analysis of a key passage from the first chapter, focusing on the language used to describe Mr. Hyde and its impact on the reader.

Critical Reflection

Reflect on the implications of the duality of human nature as depicted in the first chapter, considering its relevance to contemporary society.

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

Have students enter three things they learned in this lesson. With this they can indicate their own learning efficiency of this lesson.

Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.