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.

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^^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.

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^^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

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1850-Born

1886-Published’Jekyll and Hyde’

1894-Died, aged 44

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