Robot Says…

Victorian London was a time of significant social and economic change, and this context is vital in understanding the setting of Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The novel reflects concerns about urban crime, the anonymity of the city, and the growing complexity of criminal investigations.
The novel’s depiction of Mr Hyde as a criminal figure embodies Victorian fears of moral degeneration and unchecked criminality. Hyde’s violent acts, such as the murder of Sir Danvers Carew, highlight the perceived rise in violent crime during the period: "with ape-like fury, he was trampling his victim underfoot."
The character of Mr Utterson, a lawyer, reflects how the professional classes were often involved in addressing crime, as legal and moral authority figures. His investigation into Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde mirrors the growing interest in detective work and the systematic pursuit of justice.
Victorian policing was still in its infancy, with the Metropolitan Police Force having been established only a few decades earlier in 1829. The novel subtly critiques the limitations of policing at the time, as the crimes committed by Mr Hyde often go unresolved until the intervention of private individuals like Mr Utterson.
The theme of duality in Dr Jekyll’s transformation into Mr Hyde can be interpreted as a reflection of societal concerns regarding hidden criminality. The novel suggests that even the most respectable members of society may harbour a dark side, aligning with Victorian anxieties about the duality of human nature and the potential for crime in all individuals.
The urban setting of Soho, where Mr Hyde resides, is described as "a district of some city in a nightmare," emphasising the connection between crime and specific areas of Victorian London. This reflects the contemporary belief that certain parts of the city were breeding grounds for criminal behaviour.
The role of evidence and the investigative process is central to the novel, reflecting Victorian fascination with forensic science and criminal detection. For example, the broken cane used in the murder of Sir Danvers Carew is a key piece of evidence.
The novel also addresses the idea of reputation and respectability, which were crucial in Victorian society. Dr Jekyll’s efforts to conceal his connection to Mr Hyde demonstrate how fear of scandal and social judgement influenced behaviour, even in the context of crime.
Stevenson's portrayal of crime and policing in the novel ultimately serves to critique the inadequacies of Victorian society in addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour, suggesting that moral and social reform are necessary to confront the darker aspects of human nature. </aside>

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