Page 1: Introduction to Themes and Context
This page introduces the key themes and contextual information crucial for understanding "Jekyll and Hyde" at the GCSE level. It outlines the major themes that run throughout the novel and provides essential background on the author and the Victorian era.
Highlight: The guide emphasizes the importance of understanding the duality of human nature as a central theme in the novel.
The page covers the following themes:
- Duality of human nature
- Science and the unexplained
- Religion and hypocrisy
- Urban terror in Victorian London
- Darwinism and devolution
- Reputation and appearance in Victorian society
Context: The guide explores Robert Louis Stevenson's background, including his health problems and the influence of Edinburgh's dual nature on his writing.
Important contextual elements discussed include:
- Freudian concepts of id and superego
- The impact of Darwin's theories on Victorian society
- The significance of reputation in the Victorian era
Example: The guide draws parallels between Jekyll's scientific discoveries and Darwin's controversial theory of evolution, both of which challenged Victorian beliefs.







