The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde | Reading Pointers For Sharper Insights

Reading Pointers For Sharper Insights

  1. Note the main conflict in the story, man’s struggle with himself, is central to the overall theme of the novel—the presence of and struggle between good and evil in the human soul.

  2. Note details and comments that support or relate to the following themes:

    • human ugliness originates in the soul

    • people who succumb to the temptations of evil risk losing their capacity for good

    • people who suppress their natural desires risk having them surface out of control

    • a duality exists within all people

    • goodness and evil both manifest themselves in one’s appearance

  3. Determine how the author’s use of allusion to Biblical stories and literary references contribute to the story’s themes and events.

    • Cain and Abel

    • Damon and Pythias

  4. Point out why, despite his attention to details, Mr. Utterson often draws the incorrect conclusion from the facts.

  5. Contrast the views of Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon, noting the ways in which they view the science of medicine differently. In addition, note how both respond to their confrontations with evil.