Source: https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-2-2-dr-hastie-lanyon

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# Dr Hastie Lanyon

English Lit: AQA GCSE Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde, topic 2.2.2

## Lanyon - Rational Scientist

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

### Lanyon vs Jekyll

![Lanyon vs Jekyll](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/7bc6f36d-b7e0-41d7-bc3d-a4b967861cad/shutterstock_175547297.jpg)

- 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

![Wider symbolism](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/51c58f3c-0d8d-4531-bdb5-62480690d8c2/shutterstock_1005982012.jpg)

- 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

![Skepticism](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/7fd25842-f7d4-4b61-a2cb-53be343d9f40/shutterstock_610663286.jpg)

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

### Lanyon's response

![Lanyon's response](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/02ba89ff-6dd5-4bbe-a3ee-4eea3746ad98/shutterstock_517896415.jpg)

- 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

![Symbolism of death](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/9314a2b1-a929-4b3b-9191-1ce41ab40dc3/shutterstock_302707076.jpg)

- 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)

![Faithful friend (to Jekyll)](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/b661e235-e269-4aac-871f-0c18fc4d34bf/shutterstock_452702158.jpg)

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

### Kind

![Kind](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/9f80610c-6cce-47de-aa09-50f2d3bafefb/shutterstock_252423196.jpg)

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

### Traditional (and skeptical) scientist

![Traditional (and skeptical) scientist](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-04/d718e913-b294-4720-a819-53483ca1e84b/shutterstock_705959605.jpg)

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

## Test yourself on Dr Hastie Lanyon

- What's Lanyon talking about when he says **"such unscientific balderdash"**?
- Lanyon's View of Jekyll
- What was Lanyon's relationship with Jekyll like before they grew apart?
- Which of these quotes shows Lanyon's reaction to seeing Hyde and realising truths about the supernatural?
- What might Lanyon's death symbolise?

[Practise this topic for free](https://app.senecalearning.com/classroom/course/d84e51a0-3ca2-11e8-aa2a-6f57cfa13a6c/section/6674f3a0-3d87-11e8-b7ed-f5479d84760c/session)

- Previous topic: [2.2.1 Mr Gabriel John Utterson](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-2-1-mr-gabriel-john-utterson.md)
- Next topic: [2.2.3 Minor Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-2-3-minor-characters.md)

## English Lit: AQA GCSE Dr Jekyll & Mr Hyde contents

### 1 Plot Summary
- 1.1 Chapters 1-10
  - [1.1.1 Chapters 1 & 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/1-1-1-chapters-1-and-2.md)
  - [1.1.2 Chapters 3 & 4](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/1-1-2-chapters-3-and-4.md)
  - [1.1.3 Chapters 5 & 6](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/1-1-3-chapters-5-and-6.md)
  - [1.1.4 Chapters 7 & 8](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/1-1-4-chapters-7-and-8.md)
  - [1.1.5 Chapters 9 & 10](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/1-1-5-chapters-9-and-10.md)
  - [1.1.6 End of Topic Test - Chapters 1-6](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/1-1-6-end-of-topic-test-chapters-1-6.md)
  - [1.1.7 End of Topic Test - Chapters 7-10](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/1-1-7-end-of-topic-test-chapters-7-10.md)

### 2 Characters
- 2.1 Jekyll & Hyde
  - [2.1.1 Dr Henry Jekyll](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-1-1-dr-henry-jekyll.md)
  - [2.1.2 Jekyll - Name & Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-1-2-jekyll-name-and-quotes.md)
  - [2.1.3 Mr Edward Hyde](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-1-3-mr-edward-hyde.md)
  - [2.1.4 Jekyll/Hyde Quotes - Chapters 1-9](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-1-4-jekyllhyde-quotes-chapters-1-9.md)
  - [2.1.5 Jekyll/Hyde Quotes - Chapter 10](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-1-5-jekyllhyde-quotes-chapter-10.md)
  - [2.1.6 End of Topic Test - Jekyll & Hyde](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-1-6-end-of-topic-test-jekyll-and-hyde.md)
  - [2.1.7 Exam-Style Questions - Mr Hyde](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-1-7-exam-style-questions-mr-hyde.md)
- 2.2 Other Characters
  - [2.2.1 Mr Gabriel John Utterson](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-2-1-mr-gabriel-john-utterson.md)
  - [2.2.2 Dr Hastie Lanyon](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-2-2-dr-hastie-lanyon.md)
  - [2.2.3 Minor Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-2-3-minor-characters.md)
  - [2.2.4 End of Topic Test - Other Characters](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/2-2-4-end-of-topic-test-other-characters.md)

### 3 Gothic Genre
- 3.1 Gothic Elements
  - [3.1.1 Gothic Conventions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/3-1-1-gothic-conventions.md)
  - [3.1.2 Gothic Settings & Symbolism](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/3-1-2-gothic-settings-and-symbolism.md)
  - [3.1.3 End of Topic Test - Gothic Conventions](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/3-1-3-end-of-topic-test-gothic-conventions.md)

### 4 Key Themes
- 4.1 Key Themes & Quotes
  - [4.1.1 Science](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4-1-1-science.md)
  - [4.1.2 Dual Nature of Man](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4-1-2-dual-nature-of-man.md)
  - [4.1.3 Religion & Sin](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4-1-3-religion-and-sin.md)
  - [4.1.4 Violence & Horror](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4-1-4-violence-and-horror.md)
  - [4.1.5 Victorian Gentlemen](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4-1-5-victorian-gentlemen.md)
  - [4.1.6 End of Topic Test - Key Themes & Quotes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/4-1-6-end-of-topic-test-key-themes-and-quotes.md)

### 5 Context & Author
- 5.1 Context & Author
  - [5.1.1 The Victorian Era](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/5-1-1-the-victorian-era.md)
  - [5.1.2 Deacon Brodie & Freud](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/5-1-2-deacon-brodie-and-freud.md)
  - [5.1.3 End of Topic Test - Context & Author](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/5-1-3-end-of-topic-test-context-and-author.md)

### 6 Literary Techniques
- 6.1 Literary Techniques
  - [6.1.1 Language](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/6-1-1-language.md)
  - [6.1.2 Structure & Form](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/6-1-2-structure-and-form.md)
  - [6.1.3 End of Topic Test - Literary Techniques](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/6-1-3-end-of-topic-test-literary-techniques.md)

### 7 Grade 9 - Key Character & Theme Questions
- 7.1 Key Character & Themes - Linked Questions
  - [7.1.1 Grade 9 - Key Characters & Themes](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/7-1-1-grade-9-key-characters-and-themes.md)
  - [7.1.2 Extract Analysis - Jekyll](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/7-1-2-extract-analysis-jekyll.md)
  - [7.1.3 Extract Analysis - Duality](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/7-1-3-extract-analysis-duality.md)

### 8 Recap: Main Quotes
- 8.1 Characters Quotes
  - [8.1.1 Dr Henry Jekyll](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-1-1-dr-henry-jekyll.md)
  - [8.1.2 Mr Edward Hyde](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-1-2-mr-edward-hyde.md)
  - [8.1.3 Mr Edward Hyde 2](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-1-3-mr-edward-hyde-2.md)
  - [8.1.4 Utterson & Lanyon](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-1-4-utterson-and-lanyon.md)
  - [8.1.5 Poole, Enfield & Mr Guest](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-1-5-poole-enfield-and-mr-guest.md)
- 8.2 Text Structure - Quotes
  - [8.2.1 Jekyll's House & London](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-2-1-jekylls-house-and-london.md)
  - [8.2.2 Victorian Repression](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-2-2-victorian-repression.md)
  - [8.2.3 Religion](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-2-3-religion.md)
  - [8.2.4 Violence](https://senecalearning.com/en-gb/revision-notes/gcse/english-literature/aqa/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde/8-2-4-violence.md)