The Victorian Era & Robert Louis Stevenson what you need to know before reading “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”

Robert Louis Stevenson Born on November 13, 1850 in Edinburgh, Scotland. One of the most translated authors in the world; Treasure Island (1883) & The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1886). Often ill and moved frequently for his health. Died December 1894 in Samoa.

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Published as a novella in England, 1886. Thomas Russell Sullivan wrote a stage play based on the book that premiered in 1887. This version included a romance plot with Dr. Jekyll’s girlfriend; in the book there is no girlfriend. Most of the movie versions are based on the play, so they include the girlfriend character. Setting: London, England during the Victorian Era

Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Theme Genre Horror Mystery Science Fiction Drama DUALITY! Good & Evil Public & Private Human & Animal Peace & Violence

Characters to Know Dr. Henry Jekyll – A 50-year-old doctor. Respected and well-liked, he spends his free time experimenting in his chemistry lab. Mr. Hyde – Cruel, remorseless, and evil. Spends his time stealing, harassing, and outright attacking other people—and enjoys it. Has some connection to Dr. Jekyll. Gabriel John Utterson – A lawyer that the narrator focuses on; the main character. Investigates the strange connection between his friend, Dr. Jekyll, and the mysterious Mr. Hyde.

The Victorian Era The Victorian Era means the period in British history while Queen Victoria was on the throne, 1837-1901. It was a period of peace (WWI started in 1914!) and prosperity, but still faced many issues: child labor, widespread poverty, famine, and more.

Victorian Attitude The culture of Victorian England felt a strong focus on morality. Straitlaced, Proper, Restrained, Dignified would all describe the atmosphere. Proper men and ladies were expected to behave according to a strict code of conduct and etiquette.

Victorian Etiquette Rising to one’s feet when being introduced, or when someone enters a room. Ladies curtsey while men bow as a greeting. Never turn your back on someone; always ask to be excused. Never insult or raise your voice; always remain calm and collected. Don’t brag; stay humble.

The other Side If you weren’t one of the wealthy, landed elite—the high class– you’d probably be spending your day working in a factory or begging on the streets. Children (as young as 5) were employed. Government reforms (changes to the laws) slowly outlawed child labor during the Victorian Era.

The other Side At the start of the 1800’s very few children went to school. Most poor children worked. If they went to school, their families lost the money they earned. Children would work as chimney sweeps, coal miners, factory workers, housemaids or servants, and more.

The Victorian Lady Being “ladylike” was expected of women, and valued more than an education—maybe if you’re rich enough for a governess or tutor you’d learn something. A girl’s worth was based on her: manners, upbringing, and family’s wealth. The most important thing in the Victorian girl’s mind would be finding a husband—especially a wealthy one.

(Consider this part of Bellwork!) Research Topics… Topics Directions (Consider this part of Bellwork!) Clothing Children’s life Jobs & Work Entertainment Sports Health & Medicine Etiquette Technology Toys & Games Food Poverty Morality Select one (or more) of the topics of Victorian life that interests you in some way. For now, write at least five questions that you would like to answer about that subject.