Understanding the Gothic in Jekyll and Hyde

By Michael Hartland

As an experienced English tutor, I always introduce the the text Jekyll and Hyde by getting students to read an extract from the gothic novel Frankenstein (the extract I use is here).

Students need to understand that what they call “horror” has its roots in English literature in the Gothic novel of the late eighteenth century.

Being able to write about this enables students to access top grades in English literature.

For example, Stevenson uses typical Gothic elements in his settings: impenetrable fog; dark and deserted streets; shocking events that take place in the small hours of the morning.

Past exam questions have focused on setting and atmosphere in the novel, so the Gothic background to this text is a really important aspect to grasp.

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