Ever wondered how Victorian society dealt with groundbreaking scientific discoveries... Show more
English Literature583 views·Updated May 28, 2026·2 pagesExploring Science and Religion in Jekyll and Hyde
Caitlin West@caitlinwestx
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Victorian Society's Fear of Science
Picture this: you've grown up believing God created everything, then suddenly Charles Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species in 1859, suggesting otherwise. That's exactly what shook Victorian society to its core! Darwin's theory was so controversial it got banned because it contradicted biblical teachings about creation.
This fear of science wasn't just about evolution. Victorians worried that scientific development could lead people away from God and into dangerous territory. They believed some knowledge was meant to stay hidden.
Stevenson uses this real-world tension to create horror in his story. He suggests that when we "dabble with the unknown" through science, we risk losing all control - exactly what happens to Dr Jekyll.
Key Insight: Stevenson shows both sides of science - Utterson's "amazement" at Jekyll's achievements alongside the terrifying consequences when experiments go wrong.
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Religious Fear Meets Scientific Reality
The most powerful moment showing religion vs science tension comes through Dr Lanyon's reaction to Hyde's transformation. As a religious gentleman, Lanyon simply cannot comprehend how drinking a potion can change a man so dramatically - it goes against everything he believes about God's natural order.
Notice how Lanyon instinctively calls out to God when witnessing the transformation? This shows the Victorian coping mechanism of turning to religion when science becomes too frightening to understand.
Stevenson describes Hyde as "like a man restored from death" - deliberately making him seem devilish and supernatural. This wasn't accidental! Stevenson knew his Victorian readers would be terrified by science they couldn't understand.
Remember: Stevenson isn't promoting scientific progress here - he's actually making people more afraid of it by showing the horrific consequences of Jekyll's experiments.
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English Literature583 views·Updated May 28, 2026·2 pagesExploring Science and Religion in Jekyll and Hyde
Caitlin West@caitlinwestx
Ever wondered how Victorian society dealt with groundbreaking scientific discoveries that challenged their religious beliefs? Stevenson's Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde perfectly captures this tension, showing how scientific experimentation both fascinated and terrified people in the 1800s.
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Victorian Society's Fear of Science
Picture this: you've grown up believing God created everything, then suddenly Charles Darwin publishes On the Origin of Species in 1859, suggesting otherwise. That's exactly what shook Victorian society to its core! Darwin's theory was so controversial it got banned because it contradicted biblical teachings about creation.
This fear of science wasn't just about evolution. Victorians worried that scientific development could lead people away from God and into dangerous territory. They believed some knowledge was meant to stay hidden.
Stevenson uses this real-world tension to create horror in his story. He suggests that when we "dabble with the unknown" through science, we risk losing all control - exactly what happens to Dr Jekyll.
Key Insight: Stevenson shows both sides of science - Utterson's "amazement" at Jekyll's achievements alongside the terrifying consequences when experiments go wrong.
2
of 2Sign up to see the content. It's free!
- Access to all documents
- Improve your grades
- Join milions of students
Religious Fear Meets Scientific Reality
The most powerful moment showing religion vs science tension comes through Dr Lanyon's reaction to Hyde's transformation. As a religious gentleman, Lanyon simply cannot comprehend how drinking a potion can change a man so dramatically - it goes against everything he believes about God's natural order.
Notice how Lanyon instinctively calls out to God when witnessing the transformation? This shows the Victorian coping mechanism of turning to religion when science becomes too frightening to understand.
Stevenson describes Hyde as "like a man restored from death" - deliberately making him seem devilish and supernatural. This wasn't accidental! Stevenson knew his Victorian readers would be terrified by science they couldn't understand.
Remember: Stevenson isn't promoting scientific progress here - he's actually making people more afraid of it by showing the horrific consequences of Jekyll's experiments.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
Most popular content: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
9Most popular content in English Literature
9Most popular content
9Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.6/5App Store
4.7/5Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan SiOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha KlichAndroid user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
AnnaiOS user