lanyon

• Who symbolizes reputability in the novel?

  Dr Hastie Lanyon
• What role does Lanyon play in the plot of the novel?

  He provides the voice of scientific skepticism
• How does Lanyon's perspective differ from Jekyll's?

  Lanyon focuses on tangible, material science
• What does Lanyon's research coexist with?

  Religion and spirituality
• How does Lanyon's character demonstrate stubbornness?

  He distances himself from Jekyll after disagreements
• What does Lanyon's distancing from Jekyll signify about his values?

  He values rationality and integrity highly
• How does Lanyon describe his relationship with Jekyll?

  As "my colleague and old-school companion"
• What disagreement did Lanyon and Jekyll have?

  Over Jekyll's "unscientific balderdash"
• What does Lanyon's conservative approach represent?

  Those who resented industrial revolution changes
• How does Lanyon act as a foil to Jekyll?

  He represents extremes of scientific practice
• What does Lanyon write to Utterson about?

  Jekyll's transformation incident
• How does Utterson serve in the relationship between Lanyon and Jekyll?

  As a common bond between them
• What does Lanyon's deathbed scene emphasize?

  The tension surrounding the Jekyll & Hyde mystery
• What does Lanyon's letter to Utterson contain?

  Instructions not to open until Jekyll's death
• How does Lanyon's character appear when he is introduced on his deathbed?

  As weak and vulnerable
• What does Lanyon's narrative reveal about his mindset?

  His rational way of thinking
• What does Lanyon witness that affects him deeply?

  Hyde transforming into Jekyll
• How does witnessing the transformation impact Lanyon?

  It renders him seriously ill
• What does Lanyon's quote about being "bound to do as he requested" indicate?

  His loyalty to Jekyll despite differences
• What does "welcomed him with both hands" suggest about Lanyon?

  He is kind and respectful
• What does Lanyon's statement about Jekyll being "too fanciful" imply?

  He prefers traditional scientific methods
• What does the metaphor "icy pang along my blood" signify?

  Lanyon's shock at encountering Hyde
• What role does Lanyon play in the novel's plot?

  He plays a minor role.
• How does Lanyon view Jekyll's experiments?

  He refers to them as "unscientific balderdash."
• What does Lanyon's skepticism represent in the novel?

  It embodies rationalism and materialist explanations.
• In what way does Lanyon function in relation to Jekyll?

  He acts as a foil for Jekyll.
• What profession do both Lanyon and Jekyll share?

  They are both doctors.
• What divergent paths do Lanyon and Jekyll choose?

  Lanyon chooses rational, materialist science; Jekyll chooses mystical science.
• What does Lanyon witness that is significant in the novel?

  He sees Jekyll enact his transformations.
• How does Lanyon react to Jekyll's transformations?

  He cannot deal with the revealed world.
• What does Lanyon prefer after his experience with Jekyll?

  He prefers to die rather than accept the new reality.
• What does Lanyon say about knowledge to Utterson?

  “If we knew all, we should be more glad to get away.”
• How does Lanyon's rationalism change by the end of the novel?

  It cedes to the inexplicable reality of Jekyll.
• What does Lanyon's early remarks suggest about his relationship with Jekyll?

  They may have been partners at one point.
• What characterizes Lanyon's life before his experience with Jekyll?

  He has spent his life pursuing knowledge.
• What does Lanyon's rejection of knowledge signify in the context of the novel?

  It highlights the conflict between rationalism and metaphysical reality.
• “I have had a shock,” he said, “and I shall never recover. It is a question of weeks. Well, life has been pleasant; I liked it; yes, sir, I used to like it. I sometimes think if we knew all, we should be more glad to get away.”
• When Mr. Utterson meets Lanyon for dinner, Lanyon appears shockingly worse since they last met. He looks so bad, Utterson is convinced he will die soon. Lanyon explains that he’s had an experience that has changed him forever, altering his perspective on life and weakening his will to live. Lanyon’s words underscore a major theme in the novel: The human desire for mastery comes with a price.
• “I wish to see or hear no more of Dr. Jekyll,” he said in a loud, unsteady voice. “I am quite done with that person; and I beg that you will spare me any allusion to one whom I regard as dead.”
• When Utterson questions Dr. Lanyon about Jekyll, Dr. Lanyon tries to stop him. Lanyon’s voice is uncontrolled, demonstrating how shaken he is. The reader, just like Utterson, is shocked, since the last time Utterson saw Lanyon, Lanyon was vibrant and social. Lanyon’s character has gone from friendly to agitated, the cause a mystery to Utterson. His desperate closing words about Dr. Jekyll’s demise add to the ominous effect of reality beginning to disintegrate.