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Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde details two crimes of violence against innocent and helpless citizens: first, a little girl, and second, an elderly man. The violence in the novel centers on Mr. Hyde, and raises the question of whether or not violence is an inherent part of man’s nature.
Questions About Violence
- What does reading Dr. Jekyll’s account of Mr. Hyde’s two crimes add to what we already know?
- Why does Mr. Hyde commit the crimes he does? Is pleasure the sole reason?
- Mr. Hyde’s crimes all seem to be committed on the spur of the moment. Why is this so?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
Pleasure is the sole reason Mr. Hyde engages in violent acts. THIS is what makes him evil.