Contrast the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon. Point out how their scientific views, personalities, and reactions to evil differ.
I.Robt. Louis Stevenson’s novella, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, contrasts two of the main characters, Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon. Through these differences,the theme of good and evil is illustrated for the reader. The differences between Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon are evident in their scientific views, their personalities, and their reactions to evil.
II.Both the characters of Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon are doctors, yet their approach to medicine and science is very different.
A.Lanyon calls Jekyll’s work “unscientific balderdash” (p 16)
1.ANALYSIS-Lanyon views Jekyll’s unorthodox approach to medicine to be wrong and dangerous and, therefore, evil. Lanyon believes that what Jekyll is doing is foolish and a waste of time, as opposed to Lanyon’s own work.
B.Jekyll feels that Lanyon considers his work to be “scientific heresies” (p 23)
1.ANALYSIS–Jekyll is trying new an innovative things and Lanyon does not approve. Lanyon sees himself as being good, and Jekyll’s scientific work as being evil.
C.Lanyon is bound by conventional medicine and current day practices. He is unable to look beyond and Jekyll calls him a “hide-bound pedant.” (p.23)
1.ANALYSIS- Jekyll looks down on Lanyon’s conventional view of science. He believes that the only science Lanyon understands or practices is the science that is already known. In contrast, Jekyll’s view of science is “transcendent” and opens up new ways of looking at the world.
III.Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Lanyon have been friends since they went to school together, but one is much more jovial, while the other is more reserved.
A.Dr. Lanyon is described as being a “hearty, healthy, dapper, red-faced gentleman,” who “sprung up from his chair and welcomed him with both hands.”(p16)
- ANALYSIS- This description shows that Lanyon cares about his appearance and has an outgoing disposition. He also welcomes the arrival of a friend, whether the friend was expected or not, and Lanyon shows this by taking Mr. Utterson’s hands in his. Lanyon is sociable and enjoys being with people.
B.Dr. Jekyll looked “deadly sick. He did not rise to meet his visitor, but held out a cold hand and bade him welcome.” (p.32)
3. ANALYSIS– Jekyll doesn’t want to socialize. He shies away from contact with others and when they still seek him out he does not welcome them in a friendly way. Putting out a cold hand implies that there is no warmth in his welcome.
C.Dr. Jekyll has a “slyish cast” (p 23) and heavy footsteps
- ANALYSIS- He is not open and has a sneaky look about him.
IV. The biggest difference between the two characters, however, is their reactions to evil. One cannot bear it while the other embraces it.
A.Lanyon’s physical reaction to Jekyll’s ‘experiment’
1. ANALYSIS
B.Lanyon’s declaration that his “soul sickened” (p 56)
1. ANALYSIS
C.Jekyll’s original delving into his ‘evil’ side
- ANALYSISJekyll’s addiction ANALYSIS
V. In conclusion, the characters of Dr. Henry Jekyll and Dr. Hastie Lanyon are contrasted throughout the novella. In all aspects of their lives, whether their scientific beliefs, personalities, or reactions to evil, the author shows us how good men can be good, how bad men can be bad, and how the line between the two is often blurred beyond recognition.