Christianity and Science

Stevenson's novella offers a critique on both Christianity and contemporary scientific beliefs, reflecting the author's skepticism towards organized religion and pseudoscientific theories of the time.

The description of Hyde's evil nature is presented in exaggerated, biblical language:

Quote: "This was the shocking thing; that the slime of the pit seemed to utter cries and voices; that the amorphous dust gesticulated and sinned; that what was dead, and had no shape, should usurp the offices of life"

Vocabulary: Amorphous - having no definite shape

This hyperbolic language serves to mock the complicated nature of religious beliefs and suggests that Stevenson may not have held strong Christian convictions himself.

The author draws attention to new scientific discoveries, such as the theory of Evolution, which challenged the relevance of the Bible in Victorian society. By questioning the idea of evil through Hyde's character, Stevenson challenges both religious and scientific beliefs of the time.

Highlight: Stevenson's work questions the pseudoscientific belief that a person's appearance could determine their intelligence or moral character.

Women and Femininity

Stevenson's portrayal of women in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" reflects the Victorian literature portrayal of women of the time, often presenting them in a negative light. The author uses female characters to highlight the hypocrisy of men and society at large.

The maid who witnesses Sir Danvers Carew's murder is depicted in a way that mocks traditional female characters in Gothic literature. Her reaction to the violent scene is described with a hint of satire:

Quote: "Never $she used to say, with streaming tears, when she narrated that experience$, never had she felt more at peace with all men"

This portrayal undermines the character's credibility, suggesting that she delights in retelling the gruesome story rather than being genuinely horrified by it. Stevenson further mocks the stereotypical female response:

Quote: "At the horror of these sights and sounds, the maid fainted"

The author's description of women in Soho presents a stereotypical and misogynistic view:

Quote: "And many women of different nationalities passing out, key in hand, to have a morning glass"

This portrayal suggests that all women in Soho are alcoholics, further reinforcing negative stereotypes.

Highlight: The exclusion of women from the main characters serves to emphasize the hypocrisy of men in Victorian society.

Hyde's housekeeper is described in a manner that equates women's evil nature with that of men:

Quote: "She had an evil face, smoothed by hypocrisy; but her manners were excellent"

This description suggests that while women's evil can be seen on their faces, men's evil remains hidden, further complicating the theme of appearances versus reality.