ABSTRACT

Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde (1886) tells the story of society doctor, Dr Jekyll, who invents a potion in order to test his theory that man has a dual nature. He drinks the formula and under its influence becomes Edward Hyde, an amoral creature who acts on animal instinct and commits hideous crimes. Gradually, Jekyll becomes addicted to the transformation into Hyde. The novel is set in Victorian London, a city that was both rich and beautiful but which bred terrible poverty and squalor behind its beautiful facade. The setting reflects the novel's major theme: that appearances are deceptive.