Key Definitions and Context
Before diving into quotes, you need to grasp some essential terms that'll pop up everywhere. Darwinism refers to evolution theory, hubris means dangerous overconfidence, and atavism is the idea of evolving backwards - all crucial for understanding Jekyll's transformation.
Victorian society was obsessed with being the "perfect gentleman" whilst secretly indulging in things like prostitution and drugs. This hypocrisy is exactly what Stevenson attacks through Jekyll's character.
The novel taps into Victorian fears about physical abnormalities suggesting moral corruption. Stevenson, being an atheist, suggests that strict Christian repression actually makes people worse, not better.
Quick Tip: Remember that Hyde's "ape-like" qualities link directly to Darwin's recent evolution theory - Victorians feared they might devolve back into primitive beings.
