Don't HYDE from this blog post!

In Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Robert Louis Stevenson examines the archetype of the dual natures of human beings.  It is a study of one man’s struggle with good and evil and is also a compelling story of terror and suspense that allows for another opportunity to explore the theme of good and evil after our in-depth study of the same motif in Macbeth.

Good and evil, right and wrong—both are seen through the eyes of John Utterson, a lawyer and friend of the scientist, Dr. Jekyll. After hearing the alarming account of the horrendous trampling of a small girl by a violent man named Mr. Hyde, who also holds a connection to Dr. Jekyll, Utterson’s curiosity gets the better of him and he begins to investigate. For this blog post, you will investigate Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde like Mr. Utterson as you complete Step 1 and you will explore the duality of human nature like Dr. Jekyll as you complete Step 2. INCLUDE BOTH STEPS IN YOUR POST.

            

Step 1)  Choose one excerpts from the novella that provides characterization of Mr. Hyde:

- From chapter 1, where the text starts: He is not easy to describe..., ending with ...and yet I really can name nothing out of the way.

- From chapter 2: Mr. Utterson stepped out and touched him on the shoulder…, ending with ...he had unlocked the door and disappeared into the house.

- From chapter 4, starting with: He had in his hand a heavy cane..., ending with ...the maid fainted.

AND one excerpt from the novella that provides characterization of Dr. Jekyll:

- From chapter 3, where the text starts: To this rule..., ending with This is a matter I thought we had agreed to drop.

- From chapter 6, starting with: Now that that evil influence..., and ending with ...and the knowledge is more than he can bear.

Analyze, compare and contrast the idea development and voice in the the two excerpts in 1-2 paragraphs. It might be helpful to examine:

- appearance

- speech

- actions

- thoughts/feelings

- other character's reactions

Step 2) Compose a poem for two voices for Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde using what you uncovered in Step 1. Be sure to include a brief explanation of your purpose and intended effect for the poem as well as the poem itself. Before writing, review examples of poems for two voices from Joyful Noise: Poems for Two Voices by Paul Fleischman.

Note: This type of poem is composed to be read aloud by two (sometimes even three) readers. Most lines in these poems are spoken by the individual reader separately, and the speakers take turns going back and forth between the voices; however, some lines are composed to be said out loud together by both speakers. You may choose to do a collabo-blog for this portion of your post (your partner may choose to write for Jekyll and you for Hyde; you for Jekyll's inner thoughts (reality) and your partner for his inner thoughts (appearance)). If you choose to do so, be sure I know who did what! Each "voice" should include at least 7-10 lines and at least 1 line that would be spoken together.