DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE CONTEXT OF THE

UPPER CLASS LONDON VS LOWER CLASSES • The richer middle and upper- classes lived

THE GENTLEMAN • The gentleman was an important figure in Victorian society. A man’s

THE GENTLEMEN OF THE NOVEL • • Henry Jekyll- a well respected doctor and

Key theme to look out for • The idea of being split and of

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DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE CONTEXT OF THE NOVEL AND CHAPTER 1

VICTORIAN LONDON

UPPER CLASS LONDON VS LOWER CLASSES • The richer middle and upper- classes lived in richly-furnished houses • London was densely populated- lots of people moved to the city during the industrial revolution to work. Housing had to be built quickly so that all the workers had somewhere to live which meant that large areas of slums sprang up in the East end of London. (Slums are just areas where there are lots of poor quality houses with lots of people living there) • The streets of the slums were narrow and poorly lit. Victorian London was known for its smoke, caused by burning coal on a large scale. • Working class London was not respectable. These were the areas where upper class people wouldn’t want to be seen! There were brothels, poor houses and pubs.

THE GENTLEMAN • The gentleman was an important figure in Victorian society. A man’s social class was one part of being a gentlemangentlemen were from the upper-classes of Victorian society. • His profession was also important- army officers, church ministers, doctors, lawyers might all be counted as gentlemen. • Gentlemen were expected to have strong morals and be kind, particularly towards the poorer people. This was seen by many as the least important part of being a gentleman! • Jekyll and Hyde is about a group of gentlemen…

THE GENTLEMEN OF THE NOVEL • • Henry Jekyll- a well respected doctor and scientist Mr Utterson- a lawyer and Jekyll’s friend Mr Enfield- Utterson’s relative and friend Dr Lanyon- a doctor that used to be close to Jekyll. However, they fell out due to Jekyll’s radical scientific ideas • Sir Danvers Carew- an elderly gentleman and member of Parliament. • Victorian gentlemen tried to hide their darker side. Reputation was very important to a Victorian gentleman. If they were seen doing anything that wasn’t respectable their good name would be ruined! • To protect their reputation, people often kept their sinful behaviour a secret.

Key theme to look out for • The idea of being split and of hiding secrets from the public Key quote to consider • ‘A moment before I had been safe of all men’s respect, wealthy, beloved. ’ p 51 Why is Utterson reluctant to expose Jekyll sooner?