Context Flashcards
What are the main symbols in the novella?
doors, darkness, letters, cane, potion, buildings, the double
When was it written?
1886
What is the importance of reputation in the novel?
typical Victorian gentlemen would jealously guard their reputations
What is meant by a homosocial society?
importance of friendship and trust in society between men
What is phrenology?
belief that someone’s physical attributes determine their status - if someone looks deformed they are evil
Stevenson as a child was…
very ill - had lots of nightmares
How is Stevenson’s nightmares reflected in the novella?
Utterson’s nightmare/ dream
What was important about Stevenson’s nanny?
she was religious - he had a religious influence from a very young age
What is the significance of Utterson being born in Edinburgh?
dark streets, eerie
What is the uncanny?
feeling or belief that something is the same but different
Why were many scientists opposed in the 19th century?
-seen to be ‘playing God’
-e.g. Jekyll attempting to split human soul
What are 3 gothic features of the novella?
-the uncanny
-supernatural
-duality
Characters have a paranoia to protect their…
reputations
People jealously guarded their…
reputations
Public opinion is seen to be a monster as it…
has the potential to destroy an individual
