Read Like a Detective
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is a mystery, so the reader must identify the mystery and
the clues that lead to its resolution. You must read like a detective and figure it out.
Chapter 1 “Story of the Door”
Mr. Utterson, a lawyer, is our protagonist. The narrator describes him as “sometimes wondering,
almost with envy, at the high pressure of spirits involved in their misdeeds; and in any extremity
inclined to help rather than to reprove” (Stevenson 1). Utterson admits, “’I incline to Cain’s heresy,’
he used to say quaintly: ‘I let my brother go to the devil in his own way’” (1). In addition, the
narrator describes him as often being “the last good influence in the lives of down-going men” (1).
1. Explain what the narrator is saying about Utterson’s choice of friends. With what type of people
does he enjoy spending time? Why?
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2. What does Utterson mean by the allusion to Cain?
a. Who is Cain? ____________________________________________________________
b. What does he mean by “I let my brother go to the devil in his own way”?
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3. The narrator describes Utterson’s feelings towards his friends, “His affections, like ivy, were the
growth of time, they implied no aptness in the object” (Stevenson 2). Explain what this simile
means.
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4. Utterson is on a walk with his relative, Mr. Richard Enfield, and they come upon a door that
reminds Mr. Enfield of a recent event. Using evidence from the text, describe the door.
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5. Summarize the story that Mr. Enfield tells Mr. Utterson.
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6. Using textual evidence, describe Mr. Hyde.
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7. At the end of the chapter, what troubling news does Mr. Enfield tell Mr. Utterson?
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The mystery and suspense are building. Who is this Mr. Hyde? Why does he have access to
this door?
Chapter 2 “Search for Mr. Hyde”
1. Using textual evidence, explain why Dr. Jekyll’s will is disturbing to Mr. Utterson.
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2. When Mr. Utterson seeks Dr. Lanyon’s advice, what does Lanyon say about Jekyll? Cite
evidence and explain.
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3. Mr. Utterson decides to play detective. He stakes out the door. Summarize the remainder of the
chapter.
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4.
Here is the big mystery. Utterson wants to help his client, Dr. Jekyll. What does Utterson
suspect that Mr. Hyde is doing to Dr. Jekyll? What does he fear Hyde may be motivated to do?
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Chapter Three “Dr. Jekyll Was Quite at Ease”
1. What is Dr. Jekyll’s explanation of the will?
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2. What does Dr. Jekyll have Mr. Utterson promise?
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3. Does this promise seem suspicious to you? Why?
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Chapter Four “The Carew Murder Case”
Now, it is officially a murder mystery.
Summarize this chapter. Be sure to include the details of the murder and Utterson’s connection.
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Chapter Five “Incident of the Letter”
1. Summarize the contents of the letter. Be sure to include who sent the letter to whom.
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2. Whom does Poole say delivered the letter? Explain why this troubles Utterson?
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3. What does the handwriting expert say about the letter? As a result, what does Utterson suspect?
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Chapter Six “Incident of Dr. Lanyon”
1. What does Dr. Lanyon say caused his illness? ________________________________________
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2. What does Mr. Utterson receive from Dr. Lanyon? ___________________________________
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Chapter Seven “Incident at the Window”
Using textual evidence, explain the surprising incident at the window; include its effect upon
Utterson and Enfield and how it builds suspense in the story.
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Chapter Eight “The Last Night”
Sequence the main events of the night.
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Chapter Nine “Dr. Lanyon’s Narrative”
What was Dr. Lanyon’s great shock? Explain with textual evidence.
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Chapter Ten “Henry Jekyll’s Full Statement of the Case”
It all makes sense now! The mystery is solved.
Provide textual evidence for each answer.
1. Who is Mr. Hyde?
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2. How is Mr. Hyde created?
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3. Why is Mr. Hyde short?
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4. What motivates Dr. Jekyll’s experiment?
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5. Where is Dr. Jekyll? What has happened to him?
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