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Dec 23, 2025
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Exploring Jekyll and Hyde: Key Analysis and Exam Tips
mar
@myst1cmars
1 / 6
Key Characters - Utterson and Jekyll
Utterson is your main guide through this twisted tale - he narrates most of the story and basically becomes a detective trying to solve the mystery. He's presented as fundamentally good, but his curiosity grows stronger as he becomes more distant from Jekyll throughout the novel.
The duality of human nature is central to Jekyll's character. This respected scientist becomes obsessed with experiments about mankind's dual nature, which eventually alienates his professional friends. Victorian scientific development was controversial, and Jekyll represents the dangerous side of unchecked experimentation.
Jekyll's tragic arc shows him slowly losing control of his "other side" and becoming increasingly isolated. His famous quotes reveal his internal struggle: "You must suffer me to go my own dark way" shows his awareness that he's heading towards destruction.
Key Point: Jekyll's experiments reflect Victorian anxieties about scientific progress and moral boundaries - perfect exam material for discussing historical context!
Key Characters - Hyde and Lanyon
Hyde embodies everything Victorian society feared about human nature. He's the physical manifestation of Jekyll's sinful side, representing the argument that evil might be our true nature. His quotes like "mere animal terror" and "like some damned Juggernaut" emphasise his monstrous, unstoppable force.
What makes Hyde terrifying is how he gains more control over Jekyll, systematically destroying all of Jekyll's relationships. The historical context here is crucial - Victorian London's tensions between private and public lives, civilised versus natural behaviour.
Dr. Lanyon serves as Jekyll's scientific rival and moral compass. He fundamentally disagrees with Jekyll about how much evil exists within people, making him represent traditional scientific ethics versus Jekyll's dangerous experimentation.
Lanyon's role becomes vital near the novel's end when he reveals the truth about Jekyll and Hyde's relationship. His death from shock ("my soul sickened at it... I must die") shows the devastating impact of witnessing Jekyll's transformation.
Remember: Lanyon represents Victorian scientific respectability - use this contrast with Jekyll for strong analytical points about scientific development themes.
Key Characters - Poole and Exam Preparation
Poole might seem like just a servant, but he's actually crucial to the story's resolution. His long service to Jekyll means he knows his master's every movement, making him the perfect witness to realise something's seriously wrong. His quote "I believe in my heart that there has been murder done" shows his growing suspicion.
The good versus evil theme runs through Poole's character as his loyalty shifts from his employer to helping Utterson uncover the truth. His behaviour becomes increasingly "uncivilised" as Jekyll's situation deteriorates, reflecting Victorian anxieties about social order breaking down.
For your exams, typical questions will give you a 30-line extract and ask you to explore how Stevenson uses specific techniques to create certain effects. The key is starting with a thesis statement about the whole text, not just diving into the extract.
Remember the assessment objectives: AO1 focuses on your personal response with quotations, AO2 analyses language and structure, and AO3 connects the text to its Victorian context. Don't just identify individual words - link them to broader themes and Stevenson's overall intentions.
Exam Tip: Strong responses begin with an overarching thesis about the whole novel, then use the extract to support broader arguments about themes and techniques.
Plot Summary and Key Events
The story kicks off when Enfield tells Utterson about Hyde trampling a young girl, sparking Utterson's investigation. This leads to his famous declaration: "If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek" - showing his determination to uncover the truth.
The plot escalates dramatically when Hyde murders Sir Danvers Carew, with a servant girl witnessing the brutal attack. Utterson's detective work reveals suspicious similarities between Hyde's and Jekyll's handwriting, building tension about their connection.
Dr. Lanyon's mysterious death from shock marks a turning point, followed by Jekyll's increasingly erratic behaviour. The climactic scene where Utterson and Poole break into Jekyll's laboratory reveals Hyde's body wearing Jekyll's clothes - the final piece of the puzzle.
The story's structure builds suspense through multiple perspectives and delayed revelations. Utterson's letters from Lanyon and Jekyll finally explain the horrifying truth about the transformation, making readers piece together the mystery alongside the characters.
Plot Focus: The story's episodic structure mirrors Victorian detective fiction - perfect for discussing how Stevenson builds suspense and reveals character through action.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Exploring Jekyll and Hyde: Key Analysis and Exam Tips
mar
@myst1cmars
Robert Louis Stevenson's "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" is a gripping Victorian tale that explores the dark side of human nature. The story follows lawyer Mr. Utterson as he investigates the mysterious connection between the respected... Show more
Key Characters - Utterson and Jekyll
Utterson is your main guide through this twisted tale - he narrates most of the story and basically becomes a detective trying to solve the mystery. He's presented as fundamentally good, but his curiosity grows stronger as he becomes more distant from Jekyll throughout the novel.
The duality of human nature is central to Jekyll's character. This respected scientist becomes obsessed with experiments about mankind's dual nature, which eventually alienates his professional friends. Victorian scientific development was controversial, and Jekyll represents the dangerous side of unchecked experimentation.
Jekyll's tragic arc shows him slowly losing control of his "other side" and becoming increasingly isolated. His famous quotes reveal his internal struggle: "You must suffer me to go my own dark way" shows his awareness that he's heading towards destruction.
Key Point: Jekyll's experiments reflect Victorian anxieties about scientific progress and moral boundaries - perfect exam material for discussing historical context!
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Key Characters - Hyde and Lanyon
Hyde embodies everything Victorian society feared about human nature. He's the physical manifestation of Jekyll's sinful side, representing the argument that evil might be our true nature. His quotes like "mere animal terror" and "like some damned Juggernaut" emphasise his monstrous, unstoppable force.
What makes Hyde terrifying is how he gains more control over Jekyll, systematically destroying all of Jekyll's relationships. The historical context here is crucial - Victorian London's tensions between private and public lives, civilised versus natural behaviour.
Dr. Lanyon serves as Jekyll's scientific rival and moral compass. He fundamentally disagrees with Jekyll about how much evil exists within people, making him represent traditional scientific ethics versus Jekyll's dangerous experimentation.
Lanyon's role becomes vital near the novel's end when he reveals the truth about Jekyll and Hyde's relationship. His death from shock ("my soul sickened at it... I must die") shows the devastating impact of witnessing Jekyll's transformation.
Remember: Lanyon represents Victorian scientific respectability - use this contrast with Jekyll for strong analytical points about scientific development themes.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Key Characters - Poole and Exam Preparation
Poole might seem like just a servant, but he's actually crucial to the story's resolution. His long service to Jekyll means he knows his master's every movement, making him the perfect witness to realise something's seriously wrong. His quote "I believe in my heart that there has been murder done" shows his growing suspicion.
The good versus evil theme runs through Poole's character as his loyalty shifts from his employer to helping Utterson uncover the truth. His behaviour becomes increasingly "uncivilised" as Jekyll's situation deteriorates, reflecting Victorian anxieties about social order breaking down.
For your exams, typical questions will give you a 30-line extract and ask you to explore how Stevenson uses specific techniques to create certain effects. The key is starting with a thesis statement about the whole text, not just diving into the extract.
Remember the assessment objectives: AO1 focuses on your personal response with quotations, AO2 analyses language and structure, and AO3 connects the text to its Victorian context. Don't just identify individual words - link them to broader themes and Stevenson's overall intentions.
Exam Tip: Strong responses begin with an overarching thesis about the whole novel, then use the extract to support broader arguments about themes and techniques.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Plot Summary and Key Events
The story kicks off when Enfield tells Utterson about Hyde trampling a young girl, sparking Utterson's investigation. This leads to his famous declaration: "If he be Mr Hyde, I shall be Mr Seek" - showing his determination to uncover the truth.
The plot escalates dramatically when Hyde murders Sir Danvers Carew, with a servant girl witnessing the brutal attack. Utterson's detective work reveals suspicious similarities between Hyde's and Jekyll's handwriting, building tension about their connection.
Dr. Lanyon's mysterious death from shock marks a turning point, followed by Jekyll's increasingly erratic behaviour. The climactic scene where Utterson and Poole break into Jekyll's laboratory reveals Hyde's body wearing Jekyll's clothes - the final piece of the puzzle.
The story's structure builds suspense through multiple perspectives and delayed revelations. Utterson's letters from Lanyon and Jekyll finally explain the horrifying truth about the transformation, making readers piece together the mystery alongside the characters.
Plot Focus: The story's episodic structure mirrors Victorian detective fiction - perfect for discussing how Stevenson builds suspense and reveals character through action.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
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Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
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We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user