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Sure! Here's a study guide for "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" by Robert Louis Stevenson, tailored for an honors high school English class:

Study Guide: The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

1. Overview

• Author: Robert Louis Stevenson

• Published: 1886

• Genre: Gothic fiction, psychological thriller

• Themes: Duality of human nature, the conflict between good and evil, the dangers of unrestrained scientific experimentation

2. Plot Summary

• Introduction: The story begins with Mr. Utterson, a lawyer, who hears about a strange and violent man named Mr. Hyde.

• Rising Action: Mr. Utterson investigates and discovers that Mr. Hyde is connected to his friend, Dr. Jekyll.

• Climax: The truth is revealed that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are the same person, with Jekyll transforming into Hyde through a potion.

• Falling Action: Dr. Jekyll's transformations become uncontrollable.

• Resolution: Dr. Jekyll permanently becomes Mr. Hyde and ultimately takes his own life.

3. Characters

• Dr. Henry Jekyll: A respected scientist who creates a potion to separate his good and evil sides.

• Mr. Edward Hyde: The evil alter ego of Dr. Jekyll, who commits heinous acts.

• Mr. Gabriel John Utterson: A lawyer and friend of Dr. Jekyll, who investigates the strange occurrences.

• Dr. Hastie Lanyon: A friend of Dr. Jekyll who witnesses the transformation and dies from the shock.

• Mr. Poole: Dr. Jekyll's loyal butler.

4. Themes and Motifs

• Duality of Human Nature: The novel explores the idea that every person has both good and evil within them.

• Good vs. Evil: The struggle between Jekyll's desire to do good and Hyde's inclination towards evil.

• Science and Ethics: The ethical implications of Jekyll's experiments and the consequences of playing God.

• Repression: The Victorian society's tendency to repress desires and the impact of this repression on individuals.

5. Important Quotes

• "Man is not truly one, but truly two."

• "If I am the chief of sinners, I am the chief of sufferers also."

• "I learned to recognize the thorough and primitive duality of man."

6. Literary Devices

• Symbolism: The potion symbolizes the duality of human nature.

• Foreshadowing: Early hints about the connection between Jekyll and Hyde.

• Irony: The respectable Dr. Jekyll is also the monstrous Mr. Hyde.

• Imagery: Vivid descriptions of Hyde's appearance and actions.

7. Discussion Questions

1. How does Stevenson use the setting to enhance the themes of the novel?

2. What is the significance of the relationship between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde?

3. How does the novel reflect Victorian society's views on morality and science?

4. In what ways does the novel explore the concept of identity?

5. How do the characters of Utterson and Lanyon contribute to the development of the plot?

8. Essay Topics

• Analyze the theme of duality in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."

• Discuss the role of repression in the novel and its impact on the characters.

• Explore the ethical implications of Dr. Jekyll's experiments.

I hope this study guide helps! If you have any specific questions or need further details, feel free to ask.