Dickens & Rumi

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The strange case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde

Joanne Mattern · 1996

Explore the age guidance, content cautions, positive qualities, and supporting notes for The strange case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde by Joanne Mattern. This book is content notes include Death of a character, Frightening scenes, Violence; positive qualities include Creativity & curiosity, Positive messages.

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At a glance

Recommended ageNot listed

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Positive messages3/5
  • Courage & resilience2/5

What’s in it?

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Deaths and murder are central to the mystery, including a violent killing and tragic outcomes, but they are likely discussed more than shown graphically.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No graphic details or injuries are presented.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Uses mild, period-appropriate language; no profanity.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Gothic suspense, Hyde’s frightening transformation, nighttime mystery, and threatening behavior may be unsettling, though graphic horror is likely limited.

Alcohol or drugs2/5
Why this rating?

The central plot involves the use of a mysterious potion to trigger transformations.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Contains brief, non-graphic depictions of physical altercations and the menacing nature of Mr. Hyde.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience2/5
Why this rating?

Characters investigate danger and face disturbing truths, but courage is secondary to the mystery and some choices are driven by secrecy or fear.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

The imaginative double-identity, transformation, scientific experiment, and mystery strongly invite creative thinking and discussion about human nature.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

Introduces classic literary themes to younger audiences.

Kindness & empathy1/5
Why this rating?

Characters express concern for Dr. Jekyll's well-being.

Positive messages3/5
Why this rating?

It strongly explores responsibility, self-control, secrecy, temptation, and the consequences of separating harmful impulses from moral judgment.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Dr. Jekyll serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of arrogance and losing control.

Family discussion

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Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What was the most imaginative idea in the story, and what would you add to it?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in The strange case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in The strange case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde, and what caused that change?
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