Active Reading

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Story of the Door through Incident of the Letter At a number of points at this point of the novella, Stevenson uses physical descriptions to create atmosphere, to illuminate characters, and to communicate feelings. In one revealing scene, Stevenson portrays Mr. Hyde and Sir Danvers Carew as the murder unfolds. Another vivid description is that of Dr. Jekylls laboratory, in the beginning of Incident of the Letter. As you read descriptive details in these parts of the story, use the chart below to keep track of how Stevenson creates atmosphere, reveals characters, and communicates emotions.

Episode: Sir Danvers Carews murder

Details
He had his hand on a heavy cane, with which he was trifling; but he answered never a word, and seemed to listen with an ill-contained impatience.

Effects on Reader
Feelings of anxiety for the victim because of Hydes sense of anger, a feeling of impending violence

Episode: First View of Jekylls laboratory

Details Effects on Reader

Think About It!

Which adjectives would you use to describe Jekyll and Hyde? Below is a list of adjectives that appear in the novella Jekyll and Hyde, sort them into the chart below under the appropriate character.

short, evil, kind, cool, generous, non-human, imaginative, hard, cruel, well-made, strong, ugly, silent, unhappy, violent, hardworking, irresponsible, carefree, successful, wild, serious, inhuman, educated, abominable, hunted, loyal, tall, small, good, fun-loving, respected, murderer, rich

Jekyll

Hyde

Who Are You?

Write a short list of 8-10 descriptive words and phrases that that describe who you are under the column labeled Myself. Next, fold the paper in half and write 8-10 descriptive words and phrases under the column labeled My Secret Self; this column should be as different from who you are as you can get.

Myself

My Secret Self