The Victorian Era was the age of progress; during this time, social problems focused on the working class and poor were addressed. In June 1832 the parliament passed the Reform Act, or also well known as The Representation of the People Act. (Berman)This act intended to represent the people better by expanding the electoral votes. It "broadened the franchise property qualification to include landowners, tenant farmers, and shopkeepers,"  and "created 67 new constituencies," allowing more people to vote. (Berman) It showed the people that the parliament was listening and proved that change was possible.The Reform Act of 1832 highlights representation of the Victorian Era, the age of reform. Knowing the Victorian Era was a time for change, Stevenson's purpose of "Body Snatcher" is easily understood. The short story addresses a social problem to draw attention to promote reform. 

Works Cited:

    Berman, Carolyn. “Carolyn Vellenga Berman, ‘On the Reform Act of 1832’ | BRANCH.” BRANCH, Mar. 2013, www.branchcollective.org/?ps_articles=carolyn-vellenga-berman-on-the-ref....