Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Background

Author Robert Louis Stevenson:

• Born in 1850 in Edinburgh, Scotland, into a family with a diverse background, including engineers, scientists, and a religious minister.
• Stevenson's early life was marked by illness, particularly serious lung problems.
• Stevenson's love of adventure, influenced by his readings, and his fragile health led him to travel the world in search of a healthier climate.
• He eventually settled in the remote Samoan Islands, where he passed away in 1894 at the age of 44.

Religion and Science in the 19th Century

• In 1859, Charles Darwin published "The Origin of Species," introducing the Theory of Evolution to the public.
• This book challenged religious beliefs by suggesting that life, including humans, had evolved from more primitive forms over time.
• Many saw this as a conflict between science and religion, and it raised questions about the boundaries between them.
• Stevenson's novel explores themes of science, religion, and the duality of human nature.

Duality

• The Victorians grappled with the concept of dual nature in humans, with the contrast between rational, everyday life and darker, primal instincts.
• This duality was seen as a conflict between the natural and supernatural, good and evil, and the explainable versus the inexplicable.
• Stevenson's novel delves into this theme of human duality, exploring the boundaries of good and evil within a person.

---

Prose

Stevenson's Previous Works

• Stevenson had previously explored the theme of double lives in his writings.
• "Deacon Brodie" (1880) was based on the real-life character William Brodie, who lived a double life as a craftsman and member of Edinburgh's council while also being involved in crime.
• "The Body Snatcher" (1884) drew inspiration from the Burke and Hare case, where criminals supplied bodies for medical studies by robbing graves and committing murders.
• "Markheim" (1885) featured a character who reflects on the nature of good and evil after committing a murder, showcasing the struggle between these dual aspects of human nature.

Summary

• Dr. Jekyll, a respected scientist, meddles with the darker side of science in an attempt to explore his dual nature.
• He transforms into Mr. Hyde, his evil alter ego, who refuses to take responsibility for his heinous actions.
• Initially, Jekyll has control over Hyde, but as the story progresses, Hyde's dominance grows, leading to their eventual demise.
• Mr. Utterson, concerned about Dr. Jekyll's association with Hyde, investigates and uncovers the mystery.
• The plot explores themes of science, religion, and the duality of human nature, echoing the societal conflicts of the 19th century.