Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (Grades 9–1) York Notes

Parts of the story are seen from different characters’ points of view, revealing what happens slowly. Narrators include Enfield, Utterson, Lanyon, Poole, and Jekyll.

Using documents, such Lanyon’s letter, Stevenson shows events that have happened in the past or in secret. They also add a sense of realism.

Some characters, especially Jekyll, use vivid descriptive language (similes and metaphors) to explain things – such as Jekyll saying his reason was ‘shipwrecked’ (p. 50).

The different narrative ‘voices’ that tell parts of the story have different personal styles, revealing their personalities and concerns. Lanyon uses technical scientific words: ‘the ebullition ceased’ (p. 55).

The story is not told in a chronological or time order but reports episodes from the past at various points as it progresses.