Context: The Gothic Novel

Gothic elements refer to a genre that focusses on fear and horror, the irrational and passionate nature of humans, and symbolism often in the form of a haunted, decaying setting. “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” fits into this genre through the character of Hyde who personifies Dr Jekyll’s immoral and sinful desires.
Supernatural elements are a central part of a Gothic novel and in “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, this manifests in the transformation of Dr Jekyll into Mr Hyde, a process that defies scientific and rational understanding.
The dual nature of humanity is a staple theme of Gothic fiction, and Stevenson explores this idea deeply in the character of Dr Jekyll and his alter ego, Mr Hyde.
Isolation and Confusion are often found in Gothic literature. Characters in such stories are frequently confused or in doubt about something. In this story, much of the novel is concerned with Dr Jekyll’s and Mr Utterson’s struggle to understand the disturbing events around them.
The emphasis on atmosphere is an important part of the Gothic genre. The descriptions of London in “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde” are gloomy and foreboding, setting a mood of constant threat, which characterizes the Gothic tradition.
Themes of social critique are common in Gothic literature, which often uses horror and fear to comment on societal problems. In “Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, Stevenson critiques the hypocrisy and restrictive social norms of Victorian society.