Victorian Society in Jekyll and Hyde

Robert Louis Stevenson’s “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” is not only a riveting narrative of psychological and supernatural intrigue but also a profound critique of Victorian society and its moral underpinnings. Through the dual characters of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson explores the repressive social norms and the often hypocritical morality of the era, illustrating the perilous consequences of suppressing one’s darker impulses in the name of propriety and respectability.

Victorian society was characterized by its strict codes of conduct and rigid expectations of moral behavior.

Public image and social status were paramount, often at the expense of individual authenticity and emotional expression. Stevenson’s novella exposes the dichotomy between the public persona and the private self, embodied in the stark contrast between the esteemed Dr. Jekyll and the nefarious Mr. Hyde. Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde serves as a metaphor for the Victorian individual’s struggle to reconcile the outward appearance of virtue with the inner reality of repressed desires and impulses.

The novella’s portrayal of Jekyll’s eventual loss of control over Hyde critiques the unsustainable nature of such repression. Stevenson suggests that the societal insistence on maintaining an immaculate façade forces individuals to conceal aspects of their true selves, leading to a fragmented identity. This internal division is depicted as not only psychologically damaging but also as a source of moral hypocrisy, where the veneer of respectability hides a multitude of sins. The extreme duality of Jekyll and Hyde exemplifies the potential destructiveness of denying one’s full humanity, highlighting the dangers of a morality that prioritizes appearance over genuine ethical living.

Moreover, Stevenson’s work reflects on the consequences of the era’s rigid moral codes, suggesting that they contribute to a collective denial of the darker facets of human nature. The horror and fascination with which Hyde is met by society underscore the Victorian denial of the primal, animalistic aspects of the self, which, though vilified, are an inextricable part of human identity. By portraying Hyde as the embodiment of these repressed elements, Stevenson critiques the Victorian moral framework as not only unrealistic but fundamentally flawed, arguing for a more holistic acceptance of the human condition.

In conclusion, “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” serves as a compelling commentary on Victorian society and morality, using the story of Jekyll’s tragic downfall to critique the era’s repressive social norms and hypocritical moral values. Stevenson’s exploration of the dangers of suppressing one’s darker impulses in favor of a superficial respectability reveals the psychological and moral complexities of the Victorian age. The novella encourages a reflection on the importance of balance, authenticity, and an acknowledgment of the full spectrum of human nature, challenging readers to consider the consequences of societal and self-imposed moral strictures. Through the tale of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Stevenson not only entertains but also invites a deeper contemplation of the shadows that lurk behind the façades we present to the world.

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