This document explains different theories of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. It also includes information on big topics in Victorian times. It is important to learn the basics of background writers to understand their work better and to understand why their work was so significant at the time it was publish...
Robert Lewis Stevenson The origin of species
Born in Edinburgh- 1850. What are the organization's long-term, financial goals?
In 1859 Charles Darwin published his theory of evolution. His theory stated that
The family were scientists.
humans had evolved from other animals, contradicting the religious belief that
humans were specially created by God. Also, implied humans themselves were
Suffered a brain haemorrhage and died.
a type of animal.
Psychology & Pharmacology The industrial revolution & scientific
In 1880s psychology was a huge topic in science. It explored how the body advancement
interacted with the mind.
The industrial revolution was almost at the end when Stevenson wrote Jekyll
Pharmacology was also taking hold at this time. Advances in Biology and and Hyde. However, he was all too aware of the changes it brought to both.
Chemistry means victorian scientists were interested in how chemicals could Industry and science. Rapid progress was made in both fields, that challenged
affect the body. the beliefs of many Victorians.
Empress of India
The Victorians had a strong connection with India. Thanks to the British Empire. They became familiar with the culture. Stevenson alludes to this
liking Hyde to "some dammed juggernaut". The juggernaut was a huge chariot that depicted a vast statue of the god Vishnu. It was believed
devotees would throw themselves under the chariot to escape the cycle. reincarnation.
Victorian London Rich and Poor Smog
London was and still is a vibrant and dramatic city. London's wealth varied massively. The rich lived Smog was a frequent issue for many people. Fog
Just like the London of today, it was extremely very privileged lives in respectable areas of the would rise from the river and mix with the soot and
busy at all hours. Streets had lots of horse traffic city. They had good jobs, big houses and often smoke from the coal fires. Sometimes it was so
and the river was a superhighway taking goods house staff. On the other hand life for the poor thick it merged into buildings.
and freight to all corners of the globe couldn't be much more different. They lived in
slums and often shared houses.
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