Context Linking Flashcards
Stevenson
- as a young man he rebelled against conventional morality of his father
- disliked the Presbyterian respectability (being socially acceptable via faith)
- idea of the novella was stemmed from a nightmare and influenced by repressive societal norms
Links to novella:
This rebellion against hypocrisy is reflected in the novella in the duplicity between Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde; one is reputable one is degenerate
Stevenson indicts any ideas I’d respectability and the weight it hold in society via undermining rigid social constructs. The novella intermingles ideas of ‘respectability’ with the belligerent and horrifying reality- respectability is a facade.
The inspiration of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde having come from a nightmare is clearly reflected in the novel , as often the setting is painted as having such qualities: dark, eerie, and frightening as the normal rules of nature do not apply.
Physiognomy + London society
- a pseudo-scientific theory that suggest one’s character can be judged through their outward appearance
- physical abnormality was an implication that there was something wrong according to God
- London was plagued with repressive ‘social norms’
Links to Novella:
Stevenson critiques the encouragement of repression, creating Hyde as a physical embodiment of the detrimental impacts of upholding strict societal norms- the beastly amoral presentation of Hyde can be seen to be a consequence of mass repression of ‘id’ and instinctual pleasures
The hypocrisy of Victorian London is also demonstrated through Utterson. Despite him being a trusted and reliable narrator, his want to not interfere due to “inclining to Cains heresy” proves to be false. He becomes emotionally invested into the barbarity of Hyde.
Stevenson conforms and rejects the idea of physiognomy within the novella. He adheres to it through his portrayal of Hyde, as he is presented as having a “deformity”, making him appear “detestable” in his appearance. Stevenson juxtapose this atavistic appearance through his presentation of Jekyll. Jekylls physiognomy gives no indication of his duplicitous nature.
Freud’s psychoanalytic theory
- popular within Victorian society, his theories typically conflicted with religious ideas
- theory was about the influence of the subconscious mind on a persons behaviour.
- broke the mind down into three parts: Id, ego, superego
Id= animalistic part of a man, where basic urges derive from
Ego= mediator between ‘Id’ and what is socially acceptable
Superego= part which adheres to the moral and societal conventions we have learned over our lifetime
Link to Novella:
Hyde can be seen to be representative of the id: he demonstrates the instinctual and basic human desires. He is uncontrollable and displays basic human urges of aggression - his aggression and acts show no indication of understanding morals.
The ego could be seen to be Utterson, he tries to mediate between Jekyll and Hyde in trying to control the Id’s desires (Hyde’s) through his investigation, whilst also mediating between the superego (Jekyll)
The superego is Jekyll. He is extremely socially aware of what is and isn’t socially acceptable. He understands moral and social conventions and tries to upkeep this
Darwinism
-the concept of Darwinism undermined the biblical ideas of God creating the universe
- theory in ‘On the origin of species’ shows how humans have evolved from apes which can be seen physically through the comparison of their features
- theory elicited fear in Victorian society of atavism and that we must all have these animalistic instinct that is amoral
Links to Novella:
Darwinism is clear throughout Hyde’s ape like actions and appearance: his violence is done with “ape-like fury” suggesting these primal links. He makes Hyde appear that he is regressing back into his primitive form - the ape form Darwin speaks of in his novel.
Stevenson utilises Darwinism, paired with a nightmarish setting, to heighten the bleak atmosphere of the novella, alongside evoke fear from his reader. He wants his readers to fear how this continual repression is in fact encouraging the regression of mankind - not the progression
Science vs religion (possible predicted question)
-rise of science such as Freudian theories and Darwinism led to a decline in religion. Yet, many were still extremely religious in society and believed it to be the foundations of morality.
-There are a plethora of religious allusions throughout the novella
-Adam and Eve; The Fall of Man. Created original sin
-Cain and Abel: In Genesis, Cain is the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, who murders his brother, the shepherd Abel. God punishes Cain by banishing him from the country, but fears that he could be murdered by others so the Lord protects him
Link to Novella:
• This story is explored in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in Dr Jekyl’s search for scientific achievement and the creation of his potion, “the greed of curiosit for knowledge” and “the temptation of a discovery which leads to him being a man in mortal distress; ‘to be tempted, however slightly, was to fall - Jekyll is ultimately punished for his exploration of prohibited scientific experiments
Hyde is presented as Satan and as a snake, whilst the transmogrification causes a
“deadly nausea”. It
could be seen the Hyde’s immoralities and sins was too strong of a force of temptation for Jekyll, so much so, he indulged in this sin.
Stevenson references the story of Cain and Abel via Utterson: “incline to Cain’s heresy”. This is a controversial statement although reflects God’s mercy for Cain, thus presenting Utterson as a benevolent figure in the story. Additionally, it foreshadows the duality of good and evil, which is explored in the characters of Dr Jekyll and in Mr Hyde, who reflect Cain and Abel in this duality
