2.2.2
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
2Characters
2.1Jekyll & Hyde
3Gothic Genre
4Key Themes
5Context & Author
6Literary Techniques
6.1Literary Techniques
7Grade 9 - Key Character & Theme Questions
7.1Key Character & Themes - Linked Questions
8Recap: Main Quotes
Jump to other topics
1Plot Summary
2Characters
2.1Jekyll & Hyde
3Gothic Genre
4Key Themes
5Context & Author
6Literary Techniques
6.1Literary Techniques
7Grade 9 - Key Character & Theme Questions
7.1Key Character & Themes - Linked Questions
8Recap: Main Quotes
Practice questions on Dr Hastie Lanyon
Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.
- 1
- 2Lanyon's View of JekyllPut in order
- 3
- 4
- 5What might Lanyon's death symbolise?Multiple choice
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