In the late 19th century, Victorian London was a hub of scientific discovery and rapid technological progress. However, this era was also characterised by strict religious values and social mores. The juxtaposition of scientific advancement with religious beliefs created tension within society, often explored through literature. Stevenson’s 'Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde' is set against this backdrop, illustrating the fears and moral dilemmas of the period. The story hints at the struggle between the pursuit of scientific knowledge and religious morality, exemplified in Dr Jekyll’s experiments and his subsequent transformation into Hyde. Quote: 'A fog rolled over the city, shrouding its dark secrets.' This scene symbolises the obscured moral boundaries of the era, where progress often bordered on moral ambiguity.

Dr Jekyll’s scientific ambitions lead him to create a potion that transforms his moral self into Hyde. Stevenson describes Jekyll as a man torn between two worlds: 'A man of science, driven by curiosity, yet haunted by moral guilt.' This internal conflict illustrates the Victorian dilemma: the pursuit of knowledge versus adherence to religious morals. Stevenson’s use of contrast emphasizes Jekyll’s duality, symbolising the struggle between scientific curiosity and religious restraint.

Stevenson explores themes of good and evil, science and religion, through the character of Hyde, whose emergence challenges Victorian moral standards. The description 'a creature born from man's own ambition' reflects societal fears of scientific hubris and moral corruption. The story’s setting, with dark alleyways and shadowy streets, underscores the theme of hidden evil lurking beneath a veneer of respectability.