Abstract
In this chapter, Powell highlights the advantages of incorporating graphic novels into the Gothic literature classroom. Considering texts such as Robert Louis Stevenson’s Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and their graphic novel adaptations, Powell discusses the ways in which the universality of comics and the ability of comic characters to adapt through the years allow students to relate to older texts in a new and refreshing way. As Powell demonstrates, comics and other forms of visual narrative are universally engaging and can serve as a means to usher reluctant readers toward a more pleasurable, and thus successful, classroom experience, while introducing the visual narrative to the Gothic literature classroom not only bridges the gaps with less advanced learners, but engages all levels of students, better ensuring mastery of complex Gothic topics.
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Notes
- 1.
Often referred to and republished as The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson did not use “The” in his original title, a choice that is replicated by the Norton Critical Edition of this text, which “is based on the 1886 First British Edition, [and] the only edition set directly from Stevenson’s manuscript and for which he read proofs.” In keeping with this formatting, I have included the original version of the title, Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde .
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Powell, A. (2018). “If He Be Mr. Hyde, We Shall Be Mr. See”: Using Graphic Novels, Comic Books, and the Visual Narrative in the Gothic Literature Classroom. In: Burger, A. (eds) Teaching Graphic Novels in the English Classroom. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-63459-3_8
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