Introduction to 'Jekyll and Hyde' and Stevenson

^^‘Jekyll and Hyde’ is about a man’s dual nature^^

The novel reflects the **strict** values of Victorian society, in which people were expected to be **restrained** and appear **respectable** at all times.

Jekyll and Hyde has a strong message:

It is about human nature- everyone has **good** and **evil** inside them. If people explore their dark side, it can lead to problems, but hiding and denying it can cause problems too.

\
^^Robert Louis Stevenson was interested in man’s **different** sides^^

As a child, Stevenson was influenced by the strict **Christian** beliefs of his nanny, Alison Cunningham. As an adult Stevenson was interested in the **behaviour** of Victorian gentleman- the way they maintained an outwardly **respectable** appearance, but **secretly** indulged in immoral behaviour. He was particularly fascinated by the life of **Deacon** **Brodie**, a respectable cabinet maker who led a secret life as a robber.

\
^^Victorian gentlemen tried to hide their darker side^^

In Victorian middle and upper class society, it was important to look respectable. As a result, people would hide their true feelings, as reputation was very important. They did not like to talk about anything that might damage their reputation or upset their apparently civilised society

\
1850-Born

1886-Published’Jekyll and Hyde’

1894-Died, aged 44

\