Final Answer:
The best summary of the excerpt from Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is: C. After running partway to his laboratory, Jekyll begins transforming into Hyde.
Step-by-step explanation:
This summary accurately reflects the events of the excerpt and captures the main point of the passage. Jekyll's transformation into Hyde is the central focus of the excerpt, and the summary highlights this transformation effectively. The other options either omit key details or misrepresent the sequence of events.
The excerpt begins with Jekyll discussing his dual nature with Alice, but this discussion does not directly lead to his transformation. Instead, it is the act of running towards his laboratory that triggers the transformation. This suggests that Jekyll's desire to embrace his evil side, symbolized by the journey to his laboratory, is the catalyst for his physical transformation into Hyde.
Option D is incorrect because it places Alice's plea after Jekyll's transformation. The excerpt clearly states that Alice's plea occurs before Jekyll begins to change.
Option A is incorrect because it suggests that Jekyll's conversation with Alice is the direct cause of his transformation. While the conversation may have contributed to Jekyll's mental state, it is the physical act of running towards the laboratory that triggers the transformation.
Option B is incorrect because it combines two unrelated events: Jekyll teaching Alice about poison and his discussion on good and evil. These two events are not connected in the excerpt, and the focus is clearly on Jekyll's transformation into Hyde.
Option C is answer.