Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde

Task: Analyse the character of Lanyon in Chapters 6 & 9 and in the novella

Point---In this essay, I will be analysing the importance of Lanyon, and how stevenson builds up tension and creates secrecy using narrative, language and setting. I will also be analysing the difference in viewpoints of the two gentlemen-Dr Jekyll and Dr Lanyon.

(Chapter 9's narrative is written in digression-(a temporary departure from the main sequence of events). Also, it contains embedded narrative.)

In this novella, since chapter 2, the reader knows there is something brewing between Dr Jekyll and Dr Lanyon- both who are scientists. We know this because in chapter 2 Lanyon says:

Evidence--- "such unscientific balderdash"

Explanation---This means "unscientific" rubbish, therefore shows that the fight between Lanyon and Jekyll is about science. Jekyll also calls Lanyon a "hide-bound pedant" where actually, Jekyll is the one who is 'Hyde-bound'.

Technique & Zoom---Now the reader knows that Lanyon is counterpoint to Jekyll. If we read further on in the book, it shows that Lanyon's view of science is got to do with the physical state of the body-physiology whereas Jekyll thinks it is "mystic and transcendental"-more to do with the soul-the psychology. This shows duality between the viewpoints of the two men. This creates mystery as the reader begins to wonder what it is that the two "inseparable friends" are fighting over in science and even bigger-cutting out ties with each other.

Also, when Utterson asks Lanyon the reasons for his broken relationship with Jekyll, Lanyon says:

"I am quite done with that person.....I regard as dead"

This effective quote shows that Lanyon is literally begging Utterson to drop the "accursed topic", implying that Lanyon is objectifying Jekyll just like Enfield had objectified Hyde, in Chap 1. This conveys the idea that Stevenson is using the language of his characters to create secrecy and convey hints.(Also, when Utterson asks Jekyll, he says "respect my silence"---->secrecy)

Technique & Zoom--The technique used here is dark imagery. The word "accursed", used by Lanyon has another meaning too. It refers to Satan indirectly (as Satan is the accursed one). It happens to be that the very same day Lanyon speaks to Utterson of Jekyll as an "accursed topic", Jekyll writes to Utterson saying: "You must suffer me to go my own dark way" and in Chap 1 Utterson says "I let my brother go to the devil on his own way." This shows that in all of these places, it seems as if Jekyll is the center of bad attention. Could this possibly mean Stevenson is trying to indirectly tell the reader "Jekyll is Hyde"???. So this again categorizes underneath secrecy and missing gaps-silence (as characters do not speak openly) 

Alright guys, so this is it for today. Do keep your eyes open as i'll be releasing some more tomorrow and Happy Revision =)