Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005

Raygor Readability Estimate

Passage 1 – Page 4 No doubt the feat was easy to Mr. Utterson; for he was undemonstrative at the best, and even his friendships seemed to be founded in a similar catholicity of good-nature. It is the mark of a modest man to accept his friendly circle ready made from the hands of opportunity; and that was the lawyer’s way. His friends were those of his own blood, or those whom he had known the longest; his affections, like ivy, were the growth of time, they implied no aptness in the object. Hence, no doubt, the bond that united to him to Mr. Richard Passage 2 – Page 46 It was a wild, cold, seasonable night of March, with a pale moon, lying on her back as though the wind had tilted her, and a flying wrack of the most diaphanous and lawny texture. The wind made talking difficult, and flecked the blood into the face. It seemed to have swept the streets unusually bare of passengers, besides; for Mr. Utterson thought he had never seen that part of London so deserted. He could have wished it otherwise; never in his life had he been conscious of so sharp a wish to see and touch his fellow-creatures; for, struggle Passage 3 – Pages 90-91 About a week has passed, and I am now finishing this statement under the influence of the last of the old powders. This, then, is the last time, short of a miracle that Henry Jekyll can think his own thoughts or see his own face (now how sadly altered!) in the glass. Nor must I delay too long to bring my writing to an end; for if my narrative has hitherto escaped destruction, it has been by a combination of great prudence and great good luck. Should the throes of change take me in the act of writing it, Hyde Sentences Words Passage 1 3.6 23 Passage 2 3.6 23 Passage 3 3.3 20 Total 10.5 66 Average 3.5 22 Readability falls in the invalid category.

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson New York: Simon & Schuster, 2005

Reflection

This book falls in the invalid section of the Raygor test. However, through other research I’ve found that the book is taught primarily in the Junior High grade levels (generally 6th -9th grades). The vocabulary and usage in this book is fairly difficult, but the subject matter and major themes have universal appeal. Although the Raygor Test is not appropriate for measuring this book; it does say something for it being invalid. A case could be made that readers of all ages and abilities can enjoy this novel. It has many complex levels that can be appreciated at any reading level, from a fairly new reader who would appreciate the suspenseful scientific story to the advanced professional who might instead enjoy the deep human commentary embedded in the story. Thus, this book features a unique text that students can enjoy on their own, while teachers can use the same text to show students how to draw connections and read on a deeper level. It may be a helpful introduction to the book to show students the Raygor test and explain what it means that this book falls in the invalid category — it eludes a label. This procedure could help students understand that this book is timeless and can be enjoyed and applied in everyone’s life. As adolescents develop, there’s something comforting in knowing that a book is appropriate for your age level, but that it’s something that adults read as well. Because the book is so short (less than 100 pages) but still so universally applicable, teachers have a wider range of ages for their students. All students will need some kind of a vocabulary sheet to interpret some of the harder and outdated words, but everyone from junior high to high school, should be able to read and appreciate the story.