THE VICTORIAN ERA ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON what you
THE VICTORIAN ERA & ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON what you need to know before reading “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde”
ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON v Born on November 13, 1850 in Edinburgh, Scotland. v One of the most translated authors in the world; Treasure Island (1883) & The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde (1886). v Often ill and moved frequently for his health. v Died December 1894 in Samoa.
DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE v Published as a novella in England, 1886. v 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. v Most of the movie versions are based on the play, so they include the girlfriend character. v Setting: London, England during the Victorian Era
DR. JEKYLL & MR. HYDE Genre v. Horror v. Mystery v. Science Fiction v. Drama Theme v DUALITY! v Good & Evil v Public & Private v Human & Animal v Peace & Violence
CHARACTERS TO KNOW v Dr. Henry Jekyll – A 50 -year-old doctor. Respected and well-liked, he spends his free time experimenting in his chemistry lab. v 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. v 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 v The Victorian Era means the period in British history while Queen Victoria was on the throne, 1837 -1901. v 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 v The culture of Victorian England felt a strong focus on morality. v Straitlaced, Proper, Restrained, Dignified would all describe the atmosphere. v Proper men and ladies were expected to behave according to a strict code of conduct and etiquette.
VICTORIAN ETIQUETTE v Rising to one’s feet when being introduced, or when someone enters a room. v Ladies curtsey while men bow as a greeting. v Never turn your back on someone; always ask to be excused. v Never insult or raise your voice; always remain calm and collected. v Don’t brag; stay humble.
THE OTHER SIDE v 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. v Children (as young as 5) were employed. v Government reforms (changes to the laws) slowly outlawed child labor during the Victorian Era.
THE OTHER SIDE v 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. v Children would work as chimney sweeps, coal miners, factory workers, housemaids or servants, and more.
THE VICTORIAN LADY v 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. v 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.
RESEARCH TOPICS… Topics Directions (Consider this part of Bellwork!) v Clothing v Etiquette the topics of Victorian life v Children’s life v Technology that interests you in some v Jobs & Work v Toys & Games way. v Entertainment v Food v Select one (or more) of v For now, write at least five v Sports questions that you would like v Health & to answer about that subject. Medicine v Poverty v Morality
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