Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde Key Theme: Science and Religion (AQA GCSE English Literature) : Revision Note

Science and religion timeline

The theme of science and religion in key chapters of Jekyll and Hyde:

What are the elements of science and religion in Jekyll and Hyde?

The elements of science and religion in the novella include: 

• Conservative versus experimental: Jekyll could be viewed as using science to “play God” by interfering with it:

  •  Lanyon is a conventional scientist and views Jekyll’s experiments as dangerous, describing them as “unscientific balderdash”

  • Jekyll becomes increasingly isolated and is deeply disturbed when his transformation into Hyde occurs without his chemical concoction

• Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution: Stevenson does not make direct reference to Darwin’s theory, though the words “troglodytic” and “ape-like” allude to Hyde’s primitive behaviour:

  • Darwin’s theory greatly concerned Victorian society and the idea that humans evolved from apes led to anxieties about the possibility of returning to this primitive state

• Physiognomy: Stevenson uses Christian and 19th-century references to pseudoscience which suggests that Hyde’s evilness is manifested in his physical appearance:

  • Utterson concludes that Hyde’s face bears “Satan’s signature” implying that his outward appearance reflects the evil within

• Religious symbolism: Biblical allusions are used repeatedly throughout the novella:

  • Stevenson references “Cain’s heresy”, which is a biblical reference to the tale of Cain and Abel, depicting one evil and one good son

  • Hyde is associated with Christian notions about Hell and Satan, with Jekyll frequently referring to him as “my devil”

The impact of science and religion on characters

The theme of science and religion is prevalent throughout the novella and has an impact on many of the characters. 

Why does Stevenson use the theme of science and religion in his novella?

1.  Setting and atmosphere 

• Depicts London as a divided city and reflects the tension between scientific progress and religious morality in Victorian society

• Uses fog and darkness as motifs to symbolise the blurred boundaries between science and religion

2. Plot driver 

• Drives the narrative through Jekyll’s obsession with scientific discovery and highlights the tension between science and religion

3. Audience appeal 

• Reflects Victorian anxieties about scientific developments and the idea that science could disrupt religion

• Challenges religious beliefs that good and evil are part of human nature

4. Narrative device  

• Heightens suspense through Lanyon’s discovery of Jekyll’s experiments by reinforcing the idea that science can defy natural laws

Exam-style questions on the theme of science and religion

Try planning a response to the following essay questions as part of your revision of the theme of science and religion: 

• Explore how Stevenson portrays the consequences of defying religious and natural laws through science. (You could start with Jekyll’s attempt to “play God” by altering human nature.)

• How does Stevenson present the conflict between science and religion in the novella? (You could start with Lanyon’s rejection of Jekyll’s experiments as “unscientific balderdash”.)