Character- Dr Lanyon

Question 1

Quotations + Analysis

Answer 1

Theme: Science and Rationalism
“Unscientific balderdash.” (Chapter 2)
-Analysis: Lanyon dismisses Jekyll’s work as irrational and unscientific, suggesting a rigid, empirical view of science.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson uses Lanyon to embody traditional Victorian science, highlighting the conflict between rational science and mystical experimentation.
Theme: Science and Rationalism

“Such unscientific nonsense.” (Chapter 2)
Analysis: The repetition of “unscientific” shows Lanyon’s disdain for anything that challenges observable fact.
-Grade 9 Insight: Lanyon’s scepticism reflects a fear of scientific progress that blurs moral and natural boundaries.
Theme: Science and Rationalism

“O God!” (Chapter 9)
-Analysis: A religious exclamation shows Lanyon’s complete breakdown upon seeing Jekyll’s transformation.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson suggests some scientific truths are so horrific they shatter rational understanding, causing even a rationalist to call upon divine protection.
Theme: Horror and the Limits of Knowledge

“The deadliest terror sits by me at all hours of the day and night.” (Chapter 9)
-Analysis: Lanyon experiences constant, inescapable fear after learning Jekyll’s secret.
-Grade 9 Insight: Psychological horror—knowledge is shown to be so dangerous it physically and mentally consumes Lanyon.
Theme: Horror and the Limits of Knowledge

“I cannot bring my mind to set it on paper.” (Chapter 9)
-Analysis: Lanyon is so disturbed by what he witnessed that he refuses to fully describe it until after death.
-Grade 9 Insight: Stevenson critiques the Victorian obsession with secrecy and propriety—Lanyon would rather die than ruin reputations or spread dangerous knowledge.
Theme: Horror and the Limits of Knowledge

“I have had a shock and I shall never recover.” (Chapter 6)
-Analysis: Rational Lanyon cannot cope with the supernatural aspect of Jekyll’s experiments.
-Grade 9 Insight: Lanyon’s inability to accept the supernatural reflects Victorian tensions between science, religion, and the unknown.
Theme: Rationalism vs Supernatural