In Robert Louis Stevenson’s "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde," the influence of Victorian social codes cannot be overstated,this helped in shaping the behaviors and identities of the characters. Throughout the story Stevenson illustrates the societal expectations and pressures that led to the creation of the dual personas of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. Dr. Jekyll embodies the ideal Victorian gentleman, exemplifying the societal norms of respectability. His outward appearance and the way he acts align with the expectations of middle-class society, this reflects the pressure for individuals to conform to an image of perfection in Victorian society. As noted by Saposnik (719), men in Victorian society were expected to maintain a facade …show more content…
From the rigid class structure and gender norms to the effects of industrialization and religious revival, Victorian authors grapple with the complexities of their society, offering nuanced reflections on its virtues and vices, its inequalities and injustices. Through their literary endeavors, these authors provided invaluable insights into the social, cultural, and moral fabric of Victorian England, leaving behind a rich legacy of literature that continues to captivate readers to this day. If the events depicted in "The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde" were to occur in Victorian society, the reaction would likely be one of shock, fear, and moral outrage. The novella by Robert Louis Stevenson explores the duality of human nature and the consequences of repressing one's darker impulses, themes that would have struck a nerve with the Victorian populace. Victorian society was deeply rooted in moral values and strict social norms, particularly regarding propriety, decency, and respectability. The idea of a respected and esteemed member of society like Dr. Jekyll harboring a sinister alter ego like Mr. Hyde would have been utterly scandalous and unthinkable. The revelation of such a duality within a prominent figure would have shaken the foundations of Victorian morality and called into question the very fabric of …show more content…
Jekyll and Mr. Hyde would have raised profound philosophical and ethical questions about the nature of good and evil, the limits of human control, and the consequences of scientific experimentation. Victorians were deeply skeptical of advancements in science and technology, fearing the potential for misuse and moral corruption. The revelation of Dr. Jekyll's experiments in altering his personality through chemical means would have been met with suspicion and condemnation from society at large. In addition, the legal and judicial systems of Victorian England would have been thrown into chaos by the existence of Mr. Hyde and the crimes he committed. The question of accountability and culpability has been hotly debated, as society grapples with the notion of whether Dr. Jekyll could be held responsible for the actions of his alter ego. The criminal justice system would have struggled to prosecute someone like Mr. Hyde, whose existence defied conventional notions of guilt and