The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Discussion Questions
These questions analyze the philosophical implications of the story and we will be addressing them in a graded
discussion. You may want to make some notes so you will be prepared to participate (you won’t be submitting them
for a grade). You will earn the full amount of points if I see that you are ready and willing to contribute to the
conversation, listening actively to others, and elaborating on others’ points.
1. What are the strengths and weaknesses of the novella?
2. How would this story play out if women were involved? Is that possible, or is this a story that strictly involves
male behaviors and impulses?
3. Is human nature essentially good or evil? What does Stevenson want us to believe?
4. It has been theorized that Mr. Hyde symbolizes the repression that Dr. Jekyll feels in Victorian society. Where do
we see Hyde-like effects as a result of repression in today’s society? Or do you believe that today’s society does
not place such pressures on us?
5. What does it mean to be free? How would most of us behave if we had no expectations to live up to for school,
work, and general responsibilities? Define true freedom.
6. Is Mr. Hyde completely detestable to the reader? What is the audience’s reaction to him?
7. Would you conduct the same experiment on yourself? What are the risks and rewards?
8. Why has the Jekyll/Hyde concept endured in stories and pop culture?
9. How could the story be a representation of (a) threats to traditional British society, (b) the concept of survival of
the fittest, and/or (c) our desires to be freed from society’s restrictions?
10. What do you think is the strongest message of this story?