Context: The Victorian Period

The Victorian Period

Time Period: The Victorian era lasted from 1837 to 1901, during Queen Victoria's reign.

Values & Expectations:

• Emphasised strict morality, sexual restraint, and respectability.
• Society had zero tolerance for crime and enforced strict behaviour.
• People were expected to follow unwritten social rules.

Social Structure:

• The middle class gained more political and economic power.
• Social status was determined by wealth, education, and moral conduct.

Context in Literature:

• The novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde reflects Victorian concerns about morality, duality in human nature, and hidden desires.
• Highlights the tension between scientific progress and traditional religious beliefs.