Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde: Context (OCR GCSE English Literature): Revision Notes

Victorian Society and Morality: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, published in 1886, reflects the strict moral codes and social expectations of Victorian society. The novel explores the duality of human nature, highlighting the conflict between the outward appearance of respectability and the inner, often repressed, darker impulses. In Victorian society, maintaining a public image of propriety was crucial, but this often led to the suppression of one's true self. Stevenson's novella critiques this hypocrisy and the consequences of denying one's darker side.

Scientific Advancements and Fears: The late 19th century was a time of rapid scientific progress, but it also brought about anxieties and fears regarding the ethical implications of such advancements. The novel is influenced by contemporary concerns about the limits of scientific experimentation and the potential dangers of playing God. Dr. Jekyll's experiments, which lead to the creation of Mr. Hyde, reflect the period's fascination with and fear of science's power to alter the natural order. The story taps into the era's anxiety about the unknown consequences of scientific discovery.

Urban Gothic and the Dark Side of London: The novel is set in London, a city that was rapidly expanding and industrialising during the Victorian era. Stevenson uses the setting to create a sense of darkness and mystery, reflecting the Gothic genre's themes of horror and the supernatural. The novel's depiction of the foggy, shadowy streets of London serves as a metaphor for the hidden, darker aspects of human nature and the city itself. The duality of Jekyll and Hyde is mirrored in the city's split between its respectable façade and its seedy underbelly.

The Role of the Supernatural: Although rooted in the scientific, the novel incorporates elements of the supernatural, particularly in the mysterious transformation of Dr. Jekyll into Mr. Hyde. This blending of science and the supernatural reflects the era's fascination with the unknown and the boundaries between reality and the occult. Stevenson uses the supernatural to explore the psychological and moral implications of splitting one's personality, raising questions about the nature of identity and the soul.