Jekyll and Hyde

• Genre: Gothic fiction


  • - Features the uncanny, supernatural forces
  • Dark, mysterious atmosphere
  • Large mansions/castles
  • Sense of foreboding
• Class


  In Victorian society, the division between the aristocracy (upper class) and the working class was very rigid. The upper class could not risk their reputation by associating with the lower classes, as they were assumed to have negative traits.
• Physiognomy


  The Victorian belief that a person's external appearance could reveal their character and personality.
• Stevenson uses physiognomy when describing Mr. Hyde as very ape-like and dwarfish in appearance, suggesting he is evil.</b>
• Stevenson goes against Victorian expectations by showing that Dr. Jekyll, an upper-class man, is capable of creating the evil Mr. Hyde, challenging the idea that lower-class people are inherently evil.
• Themes


  • Science vs. Religion
  • Reputation
  • Secrecy
  • Dual nature of man
• The conflict between scientific ideas (e.g. Darwin's evolution) and religious beliefs (e.g. the Book of Genesis) is a key theme.
• Sigmund Freud's ideas about the subconscious and the "it" (animalistic desires) also contributed to the theme of the dual nature of man.
• Reputation


  The upper classes were expected to guard their reputation viciously, as associating with lower classes could lead to social ostracization.
• Secrecy


  Many gentlemen led double lives to protect their reputations, using symbols like letters, doors, and windows to hide their secrets.
• Dual nature of man


  The idea that all humans have both a civilized, socially acceptable side and a darker, uncivilized side.
• Key characters


  • Dr. Jekyll
  • Mr. Hyde
  • Mr. Utterson
  • Dr. Lanyon
• Dr. Jekyll: 'He is a smooth-faced man<|>Expression of abject terror<|>Man is not truly one but truly two'
• Mr. Hyde: 'Damned juggernaut<|>Trampled calmly on a little girl<|>Killing sir danvers Carew with ape like fury<|>He bore Satan's signature'
• Mr. Utterson: 'Of rugged countenance<|>Reputable acquaintances<|>Professional ambition'
• Dr. Lanyon: 'A haughty, healthy gentleman<|>On scientific balderdash<|>Deep-seated terror of the mind'