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'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. - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2022 - Paper 1
Question 8
'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.
Worked Solution & Example Answer:'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. - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 8 - 2022 - Paper 1
Step 1
Explore the duality of Dr Jekyll's character
Answer
In Robert Louis Stevenson’s 'Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde', Dr Jekyll embodies the conflict between good and evil. This duality presents an opportunity to sympathize with him. For instance, as Jekyll transforms into Hyde, he experiences a loss of control and the torment of his altered state. This moment invites the reader to consider Jekyll's internal struggle, making it harder to entirely condemn him, as he battles his darker impulses while yearning for respectability.
Step 2
Consider the consequences of Jekyll's experiments
Answer
Another significant moment occurs when the consequences of Jekyll’s experiments come to light, leading to tragic events. The murder of Sir Danvers Carew by Hyde highlights the consequences of Jekyll’s choices, evoking feelings of guilt and horror. Readers may feel sympathy, understanding that Jekyll's initial intentions were not malicious; rather, he seeks to separate his good and evil sides. Yet, as the devastation unfolds, one can argue that he deserves criticism for his reckless ambition, complicating the reader's emotional response toward him.