The City Is Not Truly One, but Truly Two: Stevenson’s Gothic Narratives between Edinburgh and London

During the Victorian era, the urban landscape witnessed a profound metamorphosis marked by disruptive changes that reshaped the social, economic, and cultural framework. The city became a dark and dangerous place, where fog-draped streets and looming structures set the stage for sinister tales. Following an initial segment introducing the characteristics of the Gothic genre, the subsequent discourse will shed light on the Victorian era, illuminating the transformative shifts observed in both the urban landscape and societal dynamics during this historical period. This work employs a comparative approach to dissect the distinct Gothic elements in Robert Louis Stevenson's portrayal of Edinburgh and London. Through a close examination of "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" and "The Body Snatcher", the research illuminates how the urban environment serves as a catalyst for the psychological and moral transformations of the characters. Themes of duality, morality, and the uncanny are explored within the specific urban context, shedding light on the intricate relationship between the physical landscape and the unfolding narratives. Ultimately, it is in the interest of the present work to elucidate the genesis of the city depicted in “The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, positing Edinburgh, Stevenson's birthplace, as a potential source of inspiration for the narrative development. In conclusion, this work offers a comprehensive analysis of urban Gothic narratives within Stevenson’s short stories, accentuating the pivotal role played by the cities of Edinburgh and London as integral components of his literary canvas. This thesis invites readers to traverse the dimly lit streets and shadowy corners of Stevenson's imagination, where the urban Gothic comes to life in all its haunting splendor.