45 minutes; 1 question; 40 marks; 20% of GCSE
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Respond concisely…
Nearly a year later, London is shocked by a brutal crime involving a highly respectable victim.
A maid servant, living alone near the river, retires to bed around 11 o’clock.
Before sleeping, she sits by her window, which overlooks a brightly lit lane due to the full moon, and becomes lost in dreamy thoughts.
She notices an elderly gentleman with white hair, exuding kindness and contentment, walking along the lane.
The gentleman is approached by a smaller man, who the maid eventually recognises as Mr. Hyde, a previous visitor to her master whom she disliked.
The elderly gentleman politely addresses Mr. Hyde, seemingly to ask for directions.
While speaking, the maid observes the gentleman’s innocent and kind demeanour, which contrasts starkly with Mr. Hyde’s impatient and agitated behaviour.
Suddenly, Mr. Hyde erupts with anger, stamping his foot and brandishing a heavy cane.
The elderly gentleman steps back, surprised and slightly hurt, but Mr. Hyde violently attacks him, striking him with the cane.
Mr. Hyde proceeds to beat the gentleman with “ape-like fury,” trampling him and delivering repeated blows, audibly shattering bones.
The maid, horrified by the scene, faints as the attack continues.
Upon regaining consciousness at 2 o’clock, the maid calls for the police.
The victim lies in the lane, mangled beyond recognition, while Mr. Hyde has fled the scene.
The heavy cane used in the murder has broken in two due to the ferocity of the attack, with one splintered half found in a nearby gutter.
The victim’s belongings include a purse, a gold watch, and a sealed envelope addressed to Mr. Utterson, but no identification papers are found.