Scientific Advancement

Arguably one of Jekyll and Hyde’s largest influences was the scientific advancement of the age. The 19th century saw countless new scientific discoveries which overturned prior understandings of the world, reflecting a shift away from knowledge derived from religious principles and a greater trust in rationality, proof, and the power of the individual. In his character of Dr Jekyll, Stevenson represents the emerging medical profession and its prominence in the public consciousness. Moreover, Jekyll and his scientific discoveries represent the growing distrust and anxiety surrounding the area from Victorian society: many felt that scientists were in danger of playing God through their experiments, meddling in that which they did not understand nor had any authority to investigate. There was a general fear of what these scientists would unleash upon the world should they continue in their experiments. This is widely reflected in literature through works such as Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein (1818) and can be seen equally in Jekyll and Hyde.