“With every day, and from both sides of my intelligence, the moral and the intellectual, I thus drew steadily nearer to the truth, by whose partial discovery I have been doomed to such a dreadful shipwreck: that man is not truly one, but truly two.” ―
During this course there were many literary texts that showcased various styles of writing that reflected on their surroundings, creating the conventional tropes we enjoy through various contemporary literary texts. Though, my mind still glorifies the wonderful world of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic short story “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde”. It presented the theme of inner struggle with good and evil, having two opposing characters/actions, and an irregular sequence in its discourse. There are many ways to incorporate this classic story into a teaching curriculum for any grade level. Especially since Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are iconic staples within pop culture with various adaptations and references in entertainment, and coining the phrase “Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” to refer to someone of good nature mixed with evil tendencies.
This brings me to building engaging activities that capture the prominent written purpose of these themes. This curriculum fits High School grade levels 9-12, while it can also be a lower division college English course. My curriculum is called Learning Themes in Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. From what I gathered from the short story, I categorized three core themes found within Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and objective for each theme:
1) Dual Nature (Good vs. Evil)
Debate
This is the existential question Dr. Henry Jekyll tried to figure out, can one separate the good and evil nature? This theme is an allegory of the good and evil that exists in all people, and the struggle in deciphering the two sides. In the story the battle between good and evil was always between Dr. Jekyll. Though, what can be discussed is which one is superior? Towards the end Mr. Hyde seemed to have overpowered Dr. Jekyll (good) making him the winner, but the story ends with Mr. Hyde dying.
In this activity we’ll determine who’s superior, good or evil. Students can decide between siding with Dr. Jekyll or Mr. Hyde arguing which side should have all control. First, students will have 2 minutes for introduction to express your message/standpoint and why it’s important. Second, students have 5 minutes to present their arguments/facts with explanations. Third, students have 2 minutes to refute the opposing side’s claims. Fourth, students will have 1 minute to provide a concluding statement of argument. Lastly, there will be a vote to decide what side will win! At the end of the activity, create discussion on what side won, is it justifiable or neither side because they’re interwoven?
2) Logical Reasoning (Science) Versus the Supernatural
Creative Writing Assignment
Dr. Henry Jekyll, a scientist, experiences phenomenons that are based on the productions of his scientific antics.Robert Louis Stevenson approaches right on the cusp of reality and supernatural. Dr. Jekyll is able to reach groundbreaking discovery from a potion/drug that brings out the infamous Mr.Hyde.
For this assignment, bring the creativity Stevenson showcases in his characters and plot. Write about a chapter or an entire direction of the story as if Dr.Jekyll had successfully separated his two sides. Would this experiment be successful or be his demise? Would the additional discourse rely on realistic situations or remain on the supernatural?
OR// Compare “The Strange Case of Dr.Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein discussing their similarities and differences.
3) Reputation/Repression in Society
Journal Entry
What happens to an individual when a society in the Victorian Era restrains them from expressing and presenting their true self. The repressions in Victorian England are no sexual rendezvous, no violence, or no emotion or sensibility in public. Violating any of these taboos or frowned upon actions led to a witch hunt for those impure. Seemed like back then you couldn’t be happy because you were micromanaged by a society nothing less nothing more.
In this assignment, students should put themselves into the shoes of a Victorian civilian writing a journal through their daily lives. Students will have to journal at least five 200 word entries that function as a quick story discourse. Students should be sure to address the assumed realities your character encounters, provide at least two recurring repressions, and mention how the character deals with their reputation.
Brit Lit 2020 