How Science Influenced Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

 Cross-Curricular Links: English literature and Science

At Tutorant, we love showing how different subjects can connect. One cool example is how English Literature and Science overlap when studying Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. The novel’s theme of duality- the idea that people have both a good and dark side - was likely inspired by scientific ideas from the time, especially from Charles Darwin and Cesare Lombroso.

These scientists questioned what it means to be human, and their ideas helped shape how writers, like Robert Louis Stevenson, thought about human nature. Let’s explore how these scientific theories relate to Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

The Duality in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Stevenson explores the idea that everyone has two sides: one good and one bad. Dr. Jekyll, a well-known scientist, creates a potion that allows him to turn into Mr. Hyde, a version of himself with no morals or restraint. The story focuses on the internal conflict between Jekyll’s good side and Hyde’s evil side, showing how complex human nature can be.

This idea wasn’t just Stevenson’s imagination - he was influenced by scientific discoveries of the time that questioned whether people are truly “good” or if we all have a more animalistic, darker side.

Charles Darwin and the Theory of Evolution

In 1859, Charles Darwin published his famous book, On the Origin of Species. Darwin’s theory of evolution said that humans evolved from earlier species through a process called natural selection. This idea was a huge deal because it challenged the popular belief that humans were created perfectly and separate from animals.

Darwin’s ideas made people think: if humans evolved from more primitive animals, do we still have animal-like instincts? Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde plays with this idea - Dr. Jekyll represents the civilised, “advanced” side of humanity, while Mr. Hyde represents the more primitive, darker side. Hyde’s animalistic behaviour reflects the fear that beneath our civilised surface, we might not be so different from our animal ancestors.

Lombroso and Criminal Atavism

Around the same time, an Italian criminologist named Cesare Lombroso developed a theory called criminal atavism. Lombroso believed that some criminals were biologically different and that certain physical features, like a sloping forehead or large jaw, could show if someone was “born” to be a criminal. He thought these features were signs of being less evolved - like a throwback to earlier stages of human evolution.

Although Lombroso’s theory has since been disproven, it was widely discussed during the 19th century. In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, Mr. Hyde is described as smaller and more deformed than Dr. Jekyll, which links to Lombroso’s idea that criminals are more primitive. Hyde’s appearance mirrors the belief that people’s criminal tendencies could be traced to a more basic, animal-like version of humanity.

How These Theories Impacted the Novel

Both Darwin’s and Lombroso’s ideas were controversial. Darwin’s theory of evolution upset people because it challenged the idea of divine creation, while Lombroso’s theory was criticised for suggesting that criminal behaviour was fixed at birth. Still, both theories made people question what it means to be human and whether humans are as civilised as we like to believe.

In Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, these ideas show up in the way Stevenson writes about Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde. Hyde represents a more animalistic, less evolved side of humanity, while Jekyll is the civilised, moral side. The novel asks: Is there a beast within all of us?

Why Cross-Curricular Links Matter

Understanding how science influenced Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde can help you appreciate the novel on a deeper level. It also shows that learning isn’t limited to just one subject - science and literature often overlap! These connections can help you understand both subjects better and make your GCSE revision more engaging.

At Tutorant, we encourage students to think about how subjects like English Literature and Science relate to each other. By learning about the influence of Darwin and Lombroso on Stevenson’s writing, you’ll get a better grasp of the themes in the novel and the scientific ideas of the time. Plus, this cross-curricular approach can give you a fresh perspective for both your English and Science GCSEs.

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Final Thoughts

The theme of duality in Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde connects literature and science in a fascinating way. The ideas of Darwin and Lombroso played a big role in shaping Stevenson’s story and made people think about the complex nature of humans. Are we just civilised on the surface, or do we all have a darker, more animal-like side?

If you’re getting ready for your GCSEs and want to explore these interesting links further, Tutorant’s expert tutors are here to help. Whether it’s English, Science, or both, we offer tailored 1-to-1 tutoring to make sure you’re fully prepared for your exams. Book a session with us today and dive deeper into your studies!