gothic mystery

•Genre: gothic mystery

•Social and cultural background

•Published in 1868, the novel explores the dual nature of man.

•It reflects the Victorian interest in science and medicine. The nineteenth century was an age of exploration that led to the discovery of new countries and cultures, and often the behaviours observed differed from what was deemed acceptable in Victorian society. Victorians considered themselves the epitome of civilisation but what lurked beneath was at times unsavoury. Victorian notions of public and private spheres underpinned respectability – but less admirable behaviour often occurred behind closed doors. Behaviour was thus governed by surface propriety.

•Setting

•Stevenson uses the setting of London to expose different parts of the city, which represent different things – order vs chaos. Descriptions of buildings and the weather are also used to heighten tension and add to the suspense.

•Many of the novel’s key events involving Mr Hyde happen in the dark, which adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue.

Other settings – old buildings, Jekyll’s laboratory, for example, are all used to build up tension and suspense.