Welcome to the World of Robert Louis Stevenson!

Hello! Today we are diving into the dark, foggy, and mysterious world of Robert Louis Stevenson. In this guide, we will explore four of his most famous stories: The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, The Body Snatcher, Markheim, and A Lodging for the Night.

For your Oxford AQA International AS Level (9675), these stories are often studied through the lens of Place in Literary Texts. This means we aren't just looking at the plot; we are looking at how the where and when of a story changes how we feel about the characters and their choices. Don't worry if Gothic literature feels a bit heavy at first—think of these stories like the original "psychological thrillers" or horror movies!

Quick Review: What is Gothic Literature?
It is a style of writing that uses gloomy settings (like old houses or foggy streets), mystery, and supernatural or scary events to explore human fears. Stevenson is a master of this!

1. The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

This is the big one! It’s a story about a man who creates a potion to separate his "good" side from his "bad" side.

Key Concept: Duality

Duality is the idea that every person has two sides: a public, polite side and a private, darker side. Stevenson uses the setting of Victorian London to show this.
Analogy: Think of it like a social media profile. Your "Main Feed" is your Dr. Jekyll (perfect and polite), but your "Finsta" or private account is Mr. Hyde (where you say things you wouldn't say in public!).

The Significance of Place

  • The Two Doors: Dr. Jekyll’s house has two entrances. The front is beautiful and clean (representing Jekyll’s respectability). The back door is "blistered and distained" (representing the ugly nature of Mr. Hyde).
  • The London Fog: The city is often covered in a thick, "chocolate-coloured" fog. This makes the city feel like it is hiding secrets, just like the characters are.

Memory Aid: The Name Game

To remember who is who: Hyde likes to Hide. He is the secret, dark part of the soul that people try to keep hidden!

Key Takeaway

Stevenson uses the physical environment of London to represent the mental state of the characters. A divided house represents a divided mind.

2. The Body Snatcher

This story is based on real history! In the past, doctors needed bodies to study anatomy, and some people (body snatchers) would steal them from graves to sell them.

The Setting: Edinburgh and the Dark Side of Science

While the story is set in Edinburgh, it focuses on the medical schools. At the time, science was seen as "good" and "progressive," but this story shows the moral decay happening behind closed doors.
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't just think this is a horror story about ghosts. It’s a story about guilt and how your past "comes back to haunt you."

"Did you know?"

This story was inspired by the real-life Burke and Hare murders in Scotland, where men killed people to sell their bodies to a famous doctor!

Key Takeaway

The setting of the anatomy classroom represents the cold, unfeeling nature of men who care more about their careers than about human life.

3. Markheim

In this story, a man named Markheim kills a shopkeeper on Christmas Day. While he is in the shop, a mysterious "visitor" (perhaps a ghost, a devil, or his own conscience) appears to talk to him.

The Cluttered Shop

The shop is full of clocks and mirrors. This is very important for the exam:
1. Mirrors: These force Markheim to look at himself (symbolizing self-reflection).
2. Clocks: The ticking represents time running out for him to make a moral choice.

A Step-by-Step of Markheim’s Change

1. Markheim commits a crime for money.
2. The environment (the shadows and the ticking clocks) makes him feel paranoid.
3. He talks to the "visitor" and realizes he cannot escape his own nature.
4. He decides to give himself up to the police—a "moral victory."

Key Takeaway

The shop acts like a psychological trap. It is a small, cramped space that reflects the pressure Markheim feels in his own soul.

4. A Lodging for the Night

This story features a real historical figure, the French poet Francois Villon. It takes place on a freezing, snowy night in 1456 Paris.

Contrast: The Street vs. The House

Stevenson uses Place to show the difference between social classes:
- The Snowy Streets: Cold, deadly, and full of poverty. Death is everywhere (they even find a frozen woman).
- The Lord’s House: Warm, bright, and full of luxury.
Analogy: It’s like being stuck outside in a storm while watching people eat a fancy dinner through a window. The physical distance shows the social distance.

The Moral Argument

Villon (the thief) argues with the noble Lord. Villon says he only steals to survive the cold, while the Lord lives in luxury. It asks the question: Who is the "better" person—the honest rich man or the dishonest starving man?

Key Takeaway

The harsh winter setting isn't just for atmosphere; it is the "villain" that forces the characters to reveal their true values.

Mastering the Exam (9675 Tips)

Common Themes to Connect

  • Social Class: How does where a character lives (or where they go at night) tell us about their status?
  • Identity: Stevenson’s characters often have "hidden" identities that only come out in specific places (like the foggy streets or a dark shop).
  • The Supernatural: Notice how the atmosphere (mist, darkness, snow) makes the supernatural feel possible.

Quick Review: Vocabulary Boost

- Atmospheric: Creating a strong mood (usually creepy or tense).
- Protagonist: The main character (like Jekyll or Markheim).
- Morality: The distinction between right and wrong behavior.
- Macabre: Disturbing because it involves death or injury (very common in The Body Snatcher).

Don't worry if these stories feel a bit dark! Stevenson was fascinated by why people do "bad" things. When you write your essays, always ask yourself: "How does the place where this is happening change the way the character acts?" If you can answer that, you are on your way to a top grade!