03.06 NO HYDING FROM FEAR

Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde deals with the relation of the baser parts of man to his nobler—of the capacity for evil that exists in the most generous natures.

Henry James, American author

The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was based on a nightmare that was so strange that Robert Louis Stevenson decided to use it for a novel. In just six days, Stevenson turned his nightmare into a novella well known for evoking fear and exploring a hidden part of humanity.

It, like many other works written during the Victorian era, is considered a Gothic work.

The term Gothic originally described Germanic tribes living during the Middle Ages.

It was then used to describe art and architecture from the 1200s to the 1500s, primarily created during the medieval period but lasting into the early Renaissance, most notably in the Alps Mountains region of Europe. The elaborate style that can still be seen in cathedrals, abbeys, palaces, and castles was given the label of Gothic by those who favored the more Classical style; Gothic at the time meant "barbaric" and "gloomy."

It was later used to describe fictional works that create atmospheres of horror and dread, portray the deterioration of the world, and evoke extreme emotions. These fictional works were given the label Gothic because they, too, were perceived by some to be barbaric, bloody, and gloomy.

Some of the most common elements of Gothic literature include abandoned castles,

wild and lonely landscapes,

doppelgängers,

darkness,

visions,

monsters,

and supernatural events.

Today, Gothic, or Goth, describes a highly diversified culture. The imagery and mood of Gothic novels and horror films have had a profound influence on modern Gothic music and fashion.

Notable gothic works:

• Dracula
• Interview with the Vampire
• Batman movies and comic books
• The Phantom of the Opera
• The Shining
• The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
• The Twilight series

Contradictions of the Victorian Era
The late 19th century was a time of major social change. The Victorians, known for the contradictions of their era, were at once scientific and superstitious, as well as restrained and emotional. It was a time when many long-held beliefs and practices were challenged. Some of the developments of the time period can be viewed as rebellions against what was valued in the past.
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, often viewed as a commentary on the times in which it was published, was an instant success. It was adapted for the stage within a year of publication and was wildly popular among the Victorians. Audiences felt that the tale represented the struggles within their society.
View the slide show to learn more about life at the time that Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde was published.

The historical context of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde is very important. Some authors write to entertain, and some write to explore current issues, challenge readers, or make sense of their world. As you read and watch the story of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, consider what you have learned about the Victorian era and contemplate Robert Louis Stevenson's purpose in writing this novella

Before reading and watching the story, create a new document for an informal reading journal. You will need this journal for your lesson assessment and your DBA at the end of the module. Review these literary elements: plot, setting, character, conflict, and theme. Think about how authors use these elements in works that intrigue, shock, or frighten. As you compare the text to the film, you'll notice differences between the two. Record your responses to the reflection questions in each excerpt during or after reading the text and watching the film clips. You will use your responses for your assessment. You will need examples from the text to support your answers comparing the story and the film, so be sure to record quotations or lines from the film in your reading journal.

Literary Elements

• Plot
• Theme
• Setting
• Conflict-External and Internal

Plot
Robert Louis Stevenson's novella The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde has always been a popular story. Within a year of its publication, it was adapted for a stage play, and, over the years, it has been translated from the original text into more than 130 different plays, films, graphic novels, and television series around the world. It's even been adapted as a video game.
Meet the characters from the novella below. Even if the names are unfamiliar, you will recognize them as you read. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are part of our popular culture. If you are familiar with a story or movie about a person's inner good nature fighting against—and losing to—their inner demons, then you'll recognize this story.

Dr. Henry Jekyll

Untitled Slide