Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by R.L. Stevenson

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Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by R.L. Stevenson

'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' was written in the late 19th century by an

English author named R.L.Stevenson. Victorians were interested in

Darwin's theory of evolution and Stevenson took advantage of this. Not

all classes were educated, so Stevenson had to aim for higher-class

people. Jekyll would be the same class as the readers, whereas Hyde

would be unknown to such people because he was associated with the

lower classes.

Stevenson was influenced by Darwinism in the novella to involve

Victorian Society. When "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" was released, Charles

Darwin had just revealed his theory of man evolving from apes. When

the Victorians read this book, Hyde was referred to as evidence of

Darwin's theory by the use of phrases such as: "With ape-like fury"

and "Like a monkey, jumped", which gives you an image of primate

characteristics.

Another thing that Stevenson referred to is the Faust legend from the

fifteenth century. Dr Jekyll gives Dr Lanyon a choice, very much

similar to Faust's. Faust drove himself so hard that the Devil

appeared and gave him the choice, to stay normal and behold the

restrictions of humanity, or he could have all the power and knowledge

that he ever wanted, but at a price. At the end of twenty-four years

Faust would lose his soul to the Devil. In Jekyll and Hyde, Lanyon is

given the choice of wealth and wisdom, or to be none the wiser. They

both made the same choice. Faust went to Hell, unable to go back on

his promise, and Lanyon died a few weeks later through shock from what

he saw.

Most of the themes in 'Jekyll and Hyde' can also be found in many

traditional narratives ie: Good versus Evil, Good and Bad guys and

monsters. Further themes are the Fear of science and the

transformation of the main character from good to evil.

At the time that 'Jekyll and Hyde' was released, science was not that

advanced. People were afraid of the unknown.

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