Year 10 English

Duality and Deviance in Late Victorian Literature

This comparative unit examines themes of moral deviance, secrecy and repression in Late Victorian literature. In a time of radical social change, Gothic literature became a form for artists to explore how individuals related to a society of increasing size, repressive moral norms, and defined by the rise of science and aesthetics in place of religious security. Students will read two short novels: The Picture of Dorian Grey by Oscar Wilde, and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson. Both texts allow students to explore modern themes: the private, hidden self; the pressure of maintaining social standing; and the dangers of narcissism. The comparative nature of the unit means students will develop the key skill of writing comparative essays about how these two texts shed light on each other when discussed together.

Note: Students will be expected to read both novels to get the most out of this course. It is recommended that students start reading during the holiday break. The course will begin with The Picture of Dorian Gray.

Students must have the books ready for the start of the term. The preferred editions are given below. You can purchase a copy from the office.