Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (Calico Illustrated Classics Set 2)
Calico Illustrated Classics Series
What’s inside...
Robert Louis Stevenson's classic horror tale tells the investigation into the life of Dr. Henry Jekyll. As Jekyll's lawyer, Mr. Utterson is in possession of Jekyll's will, which leaves all his possessions to a mysterious Mr. Edward Hyde. As Utterson looks further into the monstrous Mr. Hyde, he learns something horrifying about his friend Jekyll. A kind and well-respected doctor is transformed into a murderous madman by taking a secret drug of his own creation. Discover the fear, courage, and horror retold in the Calico Illustrated Classics adaptation of Stevenson's The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-10
Length
112 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Mr. Gabriel John Utterson
Dr. Henry Jekyll
Mr. Poole
Dr. Hastie Lanyon
Mr. Edward Hyde
Discussion points
Why do you think Dr. Jekyll created Mr. Hyde?
What differences did you notice between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde's behaviors?
How do the choices of Dr. Jekyll affect the people around him?
What do you think this story tells us about the good and bad in people?
How did the story make you feel when Mr. Hyde's actions were revealed?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about the moral implications of the story and how our actions define us. Use comparisons between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to discuss the internal conflicts that everyone faces. Share personal experiences where you had to make a choice between right and wrong to help them connect with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of self-control
Explanation: Dr. Jekyll's transformation into Mr. Hyde represents the consequences of losing control over one's own actions and letting base desires take over.
Real-World Application: Children learn the value of self-discipline and controlling impulses to make thoughtful decisions.
Example Lesson: Understanding the concept of dual nature of mankind
Explanation: The character split between Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde illustrates the internal battle between good and evil that everyone faces.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand that everyone has good and bad sides and the importance of nurturing one’s positive qualities.
Example Lesson: Responsibility for one's actions
Explanation: Dr. Jekyll creates Mr. Hyde and must face the consequences of the actions performed by his alter ego.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that they are accountable for their actions, regardless of their intentions or the circumstances.
Example Lesson: The dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation
Explanation: Dr. Jekyll's experiments lead to unforeseen and dangerous consequences, reflecting the potential risks of science without ethical boundaries.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of considering the moral and ethical implications of their curiosity and experiments.