Edexcel GCSE English Literature
Edexcel GCSE English Literature The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde Exam Questions
Free Edexcel GCSE English Literature practice questions for The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Covers robert Louis Stevenson's novella of Jekyll and Hyde, duality, respectability, secrecy, science, violence and Victorian London.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde practice questions
1 pack of exam-style practice questions for The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Plan and write as many answers as you can under timed conditions, then compare them with the guidance on this page and your notes.
About Edexcel GCSE English Literature The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
Robert Louis Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde is a 19th-century novel set text for Edexcel GCSE English Literature Paper 2, Section A, where part (a) analyses a printed extract and part (b) explores the wider novella. Published in 1886, it follows the lawyer Utterson's investigation into the sinister Mr Hyde, ending with Lanyon's and Jekyll's written statements revealing that they are the same man. Part (a) rewards analysis of Stevenson's Gothic description and fragmented narrative, and part (b) rewards evidence from across the novella. Part (a) is AO2 (20 marks), part (b) is AO1 (20 marks), and context is not assessed.
Key themes, characters and context
- Jekyll A respected doctor who creates a potion to release his darker side while keeping his reputation. In his statement he writes that 'man is not truly one, but truly two'.
- Hyde Small, violent and described as 'troglodytic'. He tramples a young girl and beats Sir Danvers Carew to death with 'ape-like fury'.
- Utterson A reserved, loyal lawyer whose investigation structures the novella. His concern for reputation reflects Victorian discretion.
- Lanyon Jekyll's former friend, a rational scientist, who dies from shock after seeing Hyde transform back into Jekyll.
- Structure The story is told through Utterson's viewpoint, then Lanyon's narrative and Jekyll's full statement, so the truth is withheld until the end.
- Context Victorian concerns about respectability, hidden vice, Darwin's theory of evolution and the limits of science shape the novella's fears.
Common mistakes in The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde
- Writing that Hyde is a separate person; he is Jekyll's other self released by the potion, which is central to the theme of duality.
- Ignoring the narrative structure; the delayed revelation in Lanyon's and Jekyll's documents creates mystery and should be discussed.
- Analysing the whole novella in part (a) instead of focusing closely on the language and structure of the printed extract.
- Writing paragraphs on Darwin or Victorian London. AO3 is not assessed in this section, so use context only briefly to explain how Hyde is described or how characters react.
- Forgetting the setting; fog, dark streets and the contrast between Jekyll's grand house and the neglected door reflect duality and secrecy.
Try three The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde practice questions
1. (a) Explore how Stevenson presents Hyde in this extract (Enfield's account of the trampling). Refer closely to the extract in your answer. (20 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would analyse the violent verbs and the image of Hyde as a 'Juggernaut'; Enfield's reaction and the crowd's hatred; the sense that Hyde is hard to describe; and how the narrative builds mystery.
2. (b) In this extract, Jekyll hides his secret. Explain the importance of secrecy elsewhere in the novella. In your answer, you must consider how secrecy is shown and the reasons why it is important. (20 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would discuss Utterson's and Enfield's agreement not to gossip, the will, Lanyon's sealed letter, the locked laboratory and Jekyll's statement; and explain how secrecy protects reputations and builds mystery.
3. (b) In this extract, London is described. Explain the importance of setting elsewhere in the novella. (20 marks)
Show what a strong answer includes
A strong answer would discuss fog, Hyde's neglected door, Soho at the time of the Carew murder and Jekyll's laboratory; and explain how setting symbolises hidden evil within respectable society.
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde FAQs
What does Edexcel GCSE English Literature Jekyll and Hyde cover?
It covers Stevenson's whole novella: Jekyll, Hyde, Utterson and Lanyon, themes of duality and secrecy, and Victorian context.
Which paper is Jekyll and Hyde examined in for Edexcel GCSE?
Paper 2, Section A (19th-century novel), closed book. Part (a) is on a printed extract of about 400 words (20 marks, AO2: language, form and structure); part (b) asks about the rest of the novel (20 marks, AO1). Context (AO3) is not assessed in this section.
Which quotations should I learn for Jekyll and Hyde?
Learn short lines such as 'man is not truly one, but truly two' and 'ape-like fury'.
