In 1788, Deacon William Brodie, a Scottish cabinet-maker, was executed for his double life as a burglar. His story became a sensational tale of crime and morality, reflecting the social issues of the time. Brodie's life inspired the character of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in Robert Louis Stevenson's famous novella, highlighting the themes of duality and the struggle between good and evil in human nature.

The execution of Deacon William Brodie in 1788 became a source of inspiration for Robert Louis Stevenson's 'Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde.' This narrative of duality resonated with poets and writers, prompting explorations of identity, morality, and the human psyche in both poetry and fiction.