How is Dr Jekyll presented in this extract? Sample Answer Identify a How does Stevenson presents Jekyll as a good, technique/ reasonable man “with every mark of capacity the writer interesting use and kindness.” of language achieve it? Use a quote Link to purpose What is In order to show just how horrific Hyde is, and audience Stevenson must create a character who is his the Writer’s opposite: someone who is “sincere and message writer’s warm”. The obvious contrast between the Writers’ two represents the duality of man – intention? attitude something of great interest to the author. Link to the Why is it Jekyll attempts to flatter Utterson as he tries actual words to convince him that Hyde is under control, effective? used repeatedly referring to him as “good”. What does it Perhaps this is meant to sound a little make you overdone – almost as if Jekyll is trying too feel/do? hard to convince Utterson of something he What are the doesn’t entirely believe himself. connotations? Does it have an emotional impact? Does it link to Context Perhaps this flattery is simply a pretence – Victorian one which is stripped away when he takes the society, values potion. Stevenson seems to suggest that or beliefs? man’s true nature is more animalistic – maybe Does it link to Jekyll has just been good at hiding it so far. Stevenson’s This might be an uncomfortable idea for those own life? in Victorian society, who were likely to see good and bad as opposites, not two parts of one person.
How is Dr Jekyll presented in this extract? Sample Answer How does the writer achieve it? Identify a technique/ interesting use of language Use a quote Stevenson presents Jekyll as a good, reasonable man “with every mark of capacity and kindness.” In order to show just how horrific Hyde is, Stevenson must create a character who is his opposite: someone who is “sincere and warm”. The obvious contrast between the two represents the duality of man – something of great interest to the author. Jekyll attempts to flatter Utterson as he tries to convince him that Hyde is under control, repeatedly referring to him as “good”. Perhaps this is meant to sound a little overdone – almost as if Jekyll is trying too hard to convince Utterson of something he doesn’t entirely believe himself. Perhaps this flattery is simply a pretence – one which is stripped away when he takes the potion. Stevenson seems to suggest that man’s true nature is more animalistic – maybe Jekyll has just been good at hiding it so far. This might be an uncomfortable idea for those in Victorian society, who were likely to see good and bad as opposites, not two parts of one person. What is the writer’s intention? Link to purpose and audience Writer’s message Writers’ attitude Why is it effective? Link to the actual words used What does it make you feel/do? What are the connotations? Does it have an emotional impact? Context Does it link to Victorian society, values or beliefs? Does it link to Stevenson’s own life?
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