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Introduction

Lesson 1 - Context

Dr Jekyll and Mr Dr Jekyll and Mr HydeHyde

Objectives:

To introduce the main theme of the novel

To learn about the author of the text

To find out about the social and historical context of the book

Jekyll and HydeJekyll and HydeFrom the novel’s title, the phrase ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ has slipped into common English usage. But what does it mean? Discuss the following:

•What does the phrase usually refer to? An object, a place or a person?•What do you understand by the phrase ‘a Jekyll and Hyde’ personality’?•Can you think of a fictional character from a novel, film or TV show that has a ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ personality?

Exploring the ContextExploring the ContextTo fully understand the novel it is important to have some knowledge about its social and historical setting. To help us with this we are going to split into five groups. Each group will be given an area to research. The research areas are:

•The life of Robert Louis Stevenson•Life in Victorian London•Late C19th scientific developments (Charles Darwin and The Origin of the Species)•Religious beliefs in Victorian England•Crime in C19th London – (including Jack the Ripper)

Each group will present their findings next as a PowerPoint presentation. Try to use text, images, video, etc to make your presentation engaging. The presentation must last at least three minutes and each group member must take an active part in both its presentation and preparation.