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It is difficult to have sympathy for Dr Jekyll
The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson.
‘It is difficult to have sympathy for Dr Jekyll.’ How far do you agree with this view? Explore at least two moments from the novel to support your ideas.
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Marking points
- 1 Evaluate how far sympathy for Dr Jekyll is difficult, considering evidence on both sides where relevant.
- 2 Explore at least two moments from the novel.
- 3 Analyse Stevenson’s presentation of responsibility, repression, narrative perspective and change.
- 4 Use relevant Victorian context about reputation and repression.
- 5 May balance Jekyll’s guilt for Hyde’s acts against his suffering and social constraints.
Why this answer loses marks
Only lists Hyde’s crimes without considering Jekyll’s confession, regret or possible victimhood.
The examiner report notes that effective answers balanced the seriousness of Hyde’s crimes with Jekyll’s regret and growing lack of control.