Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde - Context

- He was born in Edinburgh

- There is a famous medical school in Edinburgh: the 'sawbones' had 'a strong Edinburgh accent'

- He studied law in university: helped him create the character of Utterson and dealing with law as a theme

- He gave up religion and became an athiest: the novella deals with issues that do not correspond with the Catholic church

- Poor people lived in overcrowded areas. The rooms Jekyll rented for Hyde is in a poor neighbourhood.

- Rich people, like Lanyon and Jekyll, lived in respectable areas.

- London was covered in fog from the River Thames, mixed with soot and smoke. Stevenson uses this fog to create a dark, gloomy atmosphere.

- Pathetic fallacy: to describe London during the eerie moments. During the cheerful moments, it tends to be sunnier. The link between weather and the temperaments of the characters is a common feature.

- Darwin's theory of evolution was published. It did not correlate with the teachings of God in the Bible.

- Pharmacology was a major new science: Jekyll practised this by developing potions.

- Psychology explored how the mind and soul worked.

- Graphology is used in the novella, and it reveals the personality from someone's handwriting. Stevenson uses this to show that Jekyll is 'not mad' and that his handwriting is similar to Hyde's.

- Physiognomy: learn about someone's personality from the way they look. This is why Stevenson made Hyde look repulsive. Jekyll also believed this when he says that his body is 'the mere aura and effulgence of certain of the powers that made up my spirit'.

- Utterson is a lawyer, and keeps the legal documents. Stevenson studied as a lawyer, and was able to add his knowledge to create Utterson's characteristics.

- Important parts of the story are recorded in legal documents: Lanyon's witness account and Jekyll's statement give the story an aura of authenticity.

- Inspector Newcomen represents an aspect of law, but it is unsuccessful when dealing with strange events.

- Deals with human experience, breaking the boundaries of normality. Horror, madness and extreme emotions are dealt with: Jekyll and Lanyon are driven mad with despair.

- Supernatural elements: the seperation of Jekyll's character is supernatural transformation.

- Settings are dark and mysterious. Stevenson sets the novella in London, and his account of a 'district of some city in nightmare' creates a Gothic atmosphere.