Dr Lanyon

• Lanyon plays a minor role in the plot of the novel but provides the voice of scientific skepticism which balances out the wild and experimental attitudes of Dr Jekyll
• Lanyon and Jekyll


  Had a disagreement over the "unscientific balderdash" Jekyll begins to experiment with, leading to a rift in their friendship
• Lanyon is the first person to witness Jekyll’s transformation into Hyde
• Lanyon and Utterson

  Have a good relationship despite having little in common, with Utterson serving as the common bond between Jekyll and Lanyon
• Dr Lanyon


  Symbolises Reputability & Acts as a Foil to Dr Jekyll
• Lanyon's apparently conservative approach to scientific investigation represents those who resented the changes being induced by the innovators of the industrial revolution
• Lanyon

  Serves as the voice of tangible, material science rather than the metaphysical science which Dr Jekyll practices
• The chapter shows the weakness of Lanyon’s character as he is introduced in a vulnerable state on his deathbed, juxtaposing his presentation as a strong character when disagreeing with Jekyll’s science
• The quote "Jekyll became too fanciful for me" hints that Dr Lanyon is traditional and remains staunch in the reason, rationale, and integrity of traditional science, foreshadowing the end of the novella
• Dr Lanyon’s Narrative

  1. Contents of Dr Lanyon’s letter revealed

  2. Jekyll asks Lanyon to find a drawer of chemicals and other materials and bring it to a man calling that night

  3. Hyde transforms into Jekyll in front of Lanyon, ruining Lanyon completely and rendering him seriously ill
• The quote "I put him back, conscious at his touch of a certain icy pang along my blood..." demonstrates Lanyon is shaken and shocked by his encounter with Hyde, as Hyde doesn't obey custom as Lanyon does
• Dr Lanyon is a faithful friend to Jekyll despite falling out over scientific differences
• The chapter emphasizes the tension surrounding the mystery of the Jekyll & Hyde case, playing into the gothic themes of the novel
• The quote "Welcomed him with both hands" suggests Lanyon's character is kind, respectful, and symbolic of a Victorian gentleman, showing him to be a warm character