The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde – the historical & Cultural contexts

The Victorian Age in England The Victorian age refers to the reign of Queen Victoria, which lasted 63 years, from 1838 to 1901. -During this time, London became the most important city in Europe. -the population of London expands from 2 million to 6 million. -shift from ownership of land to modern urban economy -impact of industrialism -increase in wealth ***What might be some positives of this? ***What might be some negatives?

Victorian = Repression Victorian society placed strict moral constraints on the upper class. Written/verbal communication of sexual/emotional feelings was taboo Even the word “leg” was considered vulgar.

The Victorian Age: the lower class Unlike the upper class, they were much more free – they were a hard drinking, gambling, prostitute visiting bunch They essentially went the opposite direction of the upper class, totally indulging their every base desire.

…They were also super, duper poor. End of Victorian era from last 1870s--- decay of Victorian values, United States becomes a rival power, etc.

So how does such repression affect human behavior?

Temptation! The upper class was tempted by the freedoms of the lower class. They gave into their temptations, but had to do so very discretely They would risk everything – their families, their place in society, their reputation to indulge their desires – Why? Mention opium additions

Jekyll vs. Hyde The story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde deals with this internal conflict - how does one reconcile dark urges with the social pressure to conform? -Written in 1886 Commentary on breakdown of Victorian values -mood of meloncholy

Images of the Victorian Period

Why did and why do people find Jekyll and Hyde so compelling?

Addiction Duality of man Social issues Identity Science! change Hypocrisy of society Social Darwinism Political issues Identity Science! change

Famous guys- literary interpretations Darwin Marx Freud

Veil of Secrecy

i·de·ol·o·gy: noun, plural i·de·ol·o·gies. 1. the body of doctrine, myth, belief, etc., that guides an individual, social movement, institution, class, or large group.

1. What do Americans value? 2. Why do we value these things? 3. Who influences our value systems, opinions, and beliefs? 4. Are these ideologies purely American? 5. Do you agree with American ideologies? 6. How do we treat those who go against said ideologies? 7.How do our beliefs and values change over time, if they do at all?