Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde

This is an interesting question. Certainly Victorian culture was centred on keeping up appearances and hiding inner desires. . The novel takes place in Victorian England and the main characters are all male members of the British upper class. Enfield, Utterson, Lanyon and Jekyll are all acutely aware of social expectations and the importance of appearance. Even in the first chapter, Enfield is wary of sharing his story of the mysterious door because he abhors gossip, as it destroys reputations. There are homosexual undercurrents in this story that remain hidden yet are apparent to the keen eye. The natural instinct is always juxtaposed with imposed "morality" through the story. There is a constant battle of primal expression with polite appearances.