I had never taught Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I had read it and was familiar with the myriad allusions to Jekyll and Hyde in popular culture, which is why I was stunned when 3/4 of my class claimed they’d never heard of the novel or the movie or anything to do with a mad scientist drinking a potion and turning into an evil “monster.”
My initial reaction to the disturbing trend of cultural illiteracy was to ram my head against a set of metal spikes (conveniently placed in the cabinet in the back of the room for such occasions) or to drink a potion consisting of horse urine and milk of magnesia that promised to transform me into a teaching juggernaut, but reason got the better of me and I decided to begin each class with a short video or song or reference to Jekyll and Hyde via the miracle of YouTube instead.
Since I figured I can’t be the only one teaching this novel to cultural illiterates, I though I’d share some videos with you.
But before I do that, here are some common core standards you can use to justify these 3-5 minute clips, just in case. Although I don’t necessarily have a lesson plan to share at this time, these clips can certainly be used for one that incorporates these standards, if you’re so inclined.
Actually, before I even do that, I would like to state that any excuse to show Men at Work videos while you’re at work is a good excuse, even if you’re not a man. Here’s a classic: “Dr. Heckle and Mr. Jive,” a fine parody and a fine song.
I’m still a little curious about what the whole boy scout and weird mustache has to do with the story. For those of you who didn’t spend your formative years in the 80s, this is what you missed out on.
Common Core Standard Ideas for Jekyll and Hyde video clips.
Here’s a catchy cartoon song from Arthur. I recommend it highly.
I apologize for getting this song stuck in your head for the next several weeks.
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Jekyll’s Transformation
Here’s an Incredible Hulk like computer animation version.
Here’s one from the 1941 version.
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Jekyll and Hyde Movie Trailers
There have been about 8-million film adaptations. These movie trailers might be fun to show. This one’s from the 1941 version. The unintentional comedy is a classic.
Here’s a little something from 1990, starring Michael Caine.
There are additional Jekyll and Hyde trailers, but I’d be sure to preview them before showing them to adolescents, especially the 2006 version.
Last Updated on February 25, 2015 by Trenton Lorcher
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