Jekyll and Hyde - science vs religion

Question 1

Intro

Answer 1

In Stevensons gothic novella he uses characters of Dr Lanyon and Dr Jekyll to explore two opposing approaches to science, one rational and traditional, the other experimental and dangerously transgressive
The conflict between them reflects Victorian anxiety over clash between science and religion - relevant at the time
Stevenson uses these two men to not only personify opposing ideologies but to critique the dangers of overreaching scientific ambition and ignoring moral boundaries

Question 2

Lanyon is a rational, traditional scientist that reflects

Answer 2

Victorian scientific orthodoxy - logical and based off evidence
—> he rejects anything that’s religious
He believes science should serve truth

Question 3

‘He began to go wrong,

Answer 3

Wrong in the mind’

Question 4

‘He began to go wrong, wrong in the mind’

Answer 4

Repetition of wrong and vague phrasing sugggests Lanyon sees Jekylls science as morally corrupt

Question 5

‘Unscientific b___

Answer 5

Balderdash’

Question 6

‘Unscientific balderdash’ C2

Answer 6

Dismissive tone shows his narrow minded views on science that’s not traditional
- harsh plosive ‘b’ sound mocks him and is essentially disrespectful of Jekyll
- he believes science should stay within natural laws and not explore supernatural
- shows limit of human understanding and foreshadows his inability to cope when faced with Jekylls transformation

Question 7

‘My life is ___

Answer 7

Shaken to its roots’

Question 8

‘My life is shaken to its roots’ C9

Answer 8

Metaphor evokes idea that his fundamental beliefs are being destroyed
Destabilisation and inability to accept Jekylls transformation leads to his physical and mental decline

Question 9

Lanyon is the voice of Victorian

Answer 9

Rationalism

Question 10

Lanyon refuses to delve into taboo/unknown areas showing caution and respect for boundaries - link to context

Answer 10

Victorian tension between empiricism and spiritualism
Lanyon fate is warning that some knowledge is too dangerous and shouldn’t be found