Robert Louis Stevenson’s novella Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1886) is renowned for its exploration of duality, morality, and identity. Among the many interpretations of the text, one compelling perspective examines the subtextual implications of homosexuality within Victorian society. This article delves into the ways homosexuality is encoded in the novella, reflecting the anxieties and cultural tensions of Stevenson’s era.
Victorian Society and Homosexuality
The late 19th century in Britain was a period of strict moral codes and rigid social structures. Homosexuality, referred to at the time as “gross indecency,” was criminalized under laws like the Labouchère Amendment to the Criminal Law Amendment Act of 1885. This repressive environment forced many individuals to conceal their true selves, leading to a pervasive sense of fear and duplicity.
Themes of Duality and Concealment
The central theme of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde — the struggle between the respectable Dr. Jekyll and his monstrous alter ego, Mr. Hyde — can be interpreted as a metaphor for the double lives led by many homosexual men in Victorian society. Key elements that support this reading include:
1. Secrecy and Repression
- Dr. Jekyll’s creation of Mr. Hyde allows him to indulge in behaviors he cannot openly pursue without jeopardizing his reputation. Similarly, many homosexual men of the era were forced to hide their desires to avoid legal and social persecution.
2. The Urban Setting
- The novella’s London setting, with its dark alleys and hidden corners, mirrors the clandestine spaces where forbidden acts took place. Hyde’s nocturnal escapades evoke the secretive nature of Victorian homosexual subcultures.
3. Language and Subtext
- Stevenson employs ambiguous language to describe Hyde’s transgressions. The lack of explicit detail allows for interpretations of his actions as potentially sexual in nature, reflecting the taboo status of homosexuality.
Relationships and Homoerotic Undertones
The relationships in the novella also hint at homoerotic subtext:
1. Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
- The relationship between Jekyll and Hyde can be seen as a struggle between societal expectations and suppressed desires. Hyde, as Jekyll’s alter ego, embodies the forbidden aspects of Jekyll’s identity.
2. Mr. Utterson and Dr. Jekyll
- Mr. Utterson’s deep concern for Jekyll, his emotional investment in uncovering the truth, and their close friendship can be read as suggestive of a deeper bond, highlighting the intimacy and loyalty often found in Victorian male friendships.
Cultural Anxieties and Monstrosity
Hyde’s physical deformity and moral corruption reflect the Victorian tendency to associate homosexuality with deviance and monstrosity. This portrayal aligns with broader cultural anxieties about non-normative sexualities threatening the moral fabric of society.
A Reflection of Stevenson’s World
Although there is no evidence that Stevenson intended Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to address homosexuality explicitly, the text resonates with the themes of secrecy, identity, and societal judgment. These themes align with the lived experiences of many individuals navigating their sexuality in a repressive era.
Conclusion
Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde offers a rich lens through which to explore the intersections of identity, morality, and societal norms. Its subtextual engagement with themes of homosexuality underscores the enduring relevance of literature in illuminating the complexities of human experience. By examining these hidden layers, readers can better understand the historical and cultural contexts that shaped the novella and its interpretations.