Dr Hastie Lanyon

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Lanyon - Rational Scientist

Lanyon is a rational scientist who disagrees with Jekyll’s scientific theories.

Lanyon vs Jekyll

Like Jekyll, he is an honorable London doctor. He used to be good and “inseparable” friends with Jekyll.
But Jekyll and Lanyon disagree and take a different stance with their scientific theories. Jekyll embraces mysticism (belief that there is hidden meaning in life or that each human being can unite with God), and believes that science can alter the state of consciousness. Lanyon embraces rationalism and science based on facts and tangible evidence.

Wider symbolism

Lanyon and Jekyll represent a wider and contextual battle between scientific theories presented at the time, which is why Stevenson presents Lanyon as a foil (opposite) to Jekyll.
Lanyon refers to Jekyll’s science as “balderdash” and nonsense: “It is more than ten years since Henry Jekyll became too fanciful for me. He began to go wrong, wrong in mind...Such unscientific balderdash”. (2)

Lanyon's Reaction to Hyde

Lanyon reacts tragically to Jekyll’s scientific secret.

Skepticism

Lanyon does not suspect the truth about Jekyll and Hyde - instead he suspects Jekyll is suffering from a “cerebral disease”.

Lanyon's response

Lanyon can’t cope with the truth of what Jekyll has done. His life’s work disproving such theories is diminished by the proof that Jekyll presents to him when he asks him to retrieve his drugs to help him transform back.
Lanyon suffers from a breakdown and shock once he sees Hyde - this is evidence of the supernatural that he can’t ignore. Lanyon is “soul sickened” at the sight of Hyde, and his world is disrupted at the thought of this unpleasant truth.

Symbolism of death

Lanyon dies as a result of this shock - as he turns “deadly pale”, his condition deteriorates.
- Lanyon’s death could represent the death of his medical theories, and the start of new medical possibilities that Jekyll represents.

Key Quotes - Lanyon

Here are three key quotes showing aspects of Lanyon's character:

Faithful friend (to Jekyll)

“I felt bound to do as he requested” (9).
- Lanyon carries out the requests Jekyll asks of him in his letter.

Kind

"Welcomed him with both hands" (2).
- Lanyon warmly welcomes Utterson to his home in Chapter 2.

Traditional (and skeptical) scientist

"Jekyll became too fanciful for me" (2).

1Plot Summary

1.1Chapters 1-10

1.1.1Chapters 1 & 2

1.1.2Chapters 3 & 4

1.1.3Chapters 5 & 6

1.1.4Chapters 7 & 8

1.1.5Chapters 9 & 10

1.1.6End of Topic Test - Chapters 1-6

1.1.7End of Topic Test - Chapters 7-10

2Characters

2.1Jekyll & Hyde

2.1.1Dr Henry Jekyll

2.1.2Jekyll - Name & Quotes

2.1.3Mr Edward Hyde

2.1.4Jekyll/Hyde Quotes - Chapters 1-9

2.1.5Jekyll/Hyde Quotes - Chapter 10

2.1.6End of Topic Test - Jekyll & Hyde

2.1.7Exam-Style Questions - Mr Hyde

2.2Other Characters

2.2.1Mr Gabriel John Utterson

2.2.2Dr Hastie Lanyon

2.2.3Minor Characters

2.2.4End of Topic Test - Other Characters

3Gothic Genre

3.1Gothic Elements

3.1.1Gothic Conventions

3.1.2Gothic Settings & Symbolism

3.1.3End of Topic Test - Gothic Conventions

4Key Themes

4.1Key Themes & Quotes

4.1.1Science

4.1.2Dual Nature of Man

4.1.3Religion & Sin

4.1.4Violence & Horror

4.1.5Victorian Gentlemen

4.1.6End of Topic Test - Key Themes & Quotes

5Context & Author

5.1Context & Author

5.1.1The Victorian Era

5.1.2Deacon Brodie & Freud

5.1.3End of Topic Test - Context & Author

6Literary Techniques

6.1Literary Techniques

6.1.1Language

6.1.2Structure & Form

6.1.3End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques

7Grade 9 - Key Character & Theme Questions

7.1Key Character & Themes - Linked Questions

7.1.1Grade 9 - Key Characters & Themes

7.1.2Extract Analysis - Jekyll

7.1.3Extract Analysis - Duality

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