What is the real point of Dr Lanyon’s character? Full Character Breakdown
Dr Lanyon is a difficult figure to understand - he’s a scientist, like Dr Jekyll, and has been a close friend and associate of both Jekyll and Utterson since their younger days at university. In some ways, he’s very similar to Jekyll - both are accomplished in their field and respected in society. They also both have a deep interest in science. However, Lanyon’s beliefs about science are tied to his moral and religious views - he has clear boundaries about what is morally good or evil. In his view, Jekyll’s potion is so evil that the shock of seeing the transformation is impossible to recover from - in fact, it kills him in the end. Lanyon is used to represent the old or traditional view that science should be guided by a moral compass, we should have some sense of whether our scientific progress is morally right before trying to undertake it. Lanyon is a foil to Jekyll because he helps us to realise that Jekyll’s approach to science is terrifying, which makes the wider point that Victorians should be careful about pushing forward with progress at the expense of safety or morality. Here you’ll find a list of the key ideas that you can use in an essay about Dr Lanyon - you can also use them as supporting points in other types of essays, too!
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KEY POINTS FOR DR LANYON
Character Traits:
Rational & Traditional Scientist – Represents 19th-century scientific orthodoxy, opposing Jekyll’s experimental approach.
Stubborn & Close-minded – Refuses to entertain Jekyll’s experiments, calling them "unscientific balderdash."
Moral & Principled – Acts as a contrast to Jekyll’s moral ambiguity, embodying strict Victorian values.
Loyal Friend Turned Critic – Was once close to Jekyll but became estranged due to scientific disagreements.
Horrified Witness – His reaction to Hyde’s transformation highlights the novel’s horror elements.
Themes & Context:
Science vs. Religion – Lanyon represents traditional, empirical science, whereas Jekyll explores supernatural or unorthodox science.
Rationality vs. The Supernatural – His inability to comprehend Jekyll’s transformation reinforces the novel’s Gothic horror themes.
Victorian Morality & Repression – His death after witnessing Hyde’s transformation suggests the dangers of confronting hidden truths.
Duality of Man – Lanyon’s reaction emphasises the novel’s core idea that the human psyche has darker, hidden elements.
Fear of Progress – Reflects Victorian anxieties about unchecked scientific advancement leading to unnatural horrors.
Purpose in the Novel:
Exposes Jekyll’s Scientific Transgressions – Acts as the voice of reason, condemning his friend’s dangerous experiments.
Acts as a Catalyst for Revelation – His letter to Utterson provides crucial information about Jekyll’s transformation.
Symbol of the Old Order – His death signifies the triumph of radical experimentation over traditional science.
Enhances the Novel’s Horror – His physical deterioration after seeing Hyde’s transformation heightens the story’s fear factor.
Comparison & Contrast: Dr. Lanyon vs. Dr. Jekyll
1. Scientific Beliefs
Lanyon: Traditional, empirical scientist; believes in observable, rational science.
Jekyll: Experimental, boundary-pushing scientist; explores transcendental medicine and the supernatural.
2. Approach to Morality
Lanyon: Strict moral code; rejects Jekyll’s dangerous pursuit of knowledge.
Jekyll: Morally conflicted; experiments with duality despite knowing the risks.
3. Attitude Towards Hyde
Lanyon: Views Hyde as unnatural and horrifying; unable to reconcile science with what he sees.
Jekyll: Initially embraces Hyde as a way to indulge desires without consequence but later loses control.
4. Reaction to the Unknown
Lanyon: Rejects what he cannot rationalize; witnessing Hyde’s transformation leads to his death.
Jekyll: Embraces the unknown but ultimately succumbs to its consequences.
5. Physical & Psychological Consequences
Lanyon: Dies from shock after seeing Jekyll’s transformation, symbolizing the limits of rationality.
Jekyll: Physically deteriorates due to his experiments, losing control over his dual identity.
6. Relationship with Utterson
Lanyon: Maintains a stable friendship with Utterson; confides in him about Jekyll’s transformation.
Jekyll: Initially close to Utterson but becomes secretive and isolated due to his experiments.
7. Representation of Victorian Themes
Lanyon: Embodies rationality, traditionalism, and the resistance to dangerous progress.
Jekyll: Embodies curiosity, ambition, and the consequences of unchecked scientific exploration.
You might be interested: Jekyll + Hyde: Victorian Society
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