![]() ![]() Lanyon considers this approach ‘fanciful’ and ‘unscientific balderdash’. Jekyll’s interest is in ‘transcendental’ science, perhaps related to the new subject of psychology and the interest in the nature of humankind which Darwin’s theory of evolution raised. This is the approach Hyde (speaking for Jekyll) calls ‘narrow and material’. It is demonstrated here in his attempt to give a precise, scientific account of all that happens - of how Hyde makes him feel, the mixing of the potion, and how Hyde changes. In the rest of the novella, Jekyll and Lanyon are presented as old professional friends who have different approaches to science. He does not pick up on the clues in Hyde’s speech – the reference to ‘our’ profession (that which Lanyon shares with Jekyll), or the intimate knowledge Hyde has of Lanyon’s scientific views. Lanyon responds by belittling the challenge - he has ‘no very strong impression of belief’ and is not going to admit to any fear. Hyde might be luring Lanyon to his doom on purpose, as Jekyll says that Hyde would drink ‘pleasure with bestial avidity from any degree of torture to another’. This is what Hyde is offering, and Lanyon would do well to refuse it. The reference to Satan recalls Faust’s deal with the Devil, exchanging his soul for knowledge, riches and power. His extravagant promise of a ‘new province of knowledge’, a route to ‘fame and power’ and ‘a prodigy to stagger the unbelief of Satan’ appeal to Lanyon’s scientific curiosity. Hyde presents the choice cleverly: he advises Lanyon to let him take the potion outside (‘Will you be wise?’), but then challenges him to be brave and curious, making it hard for him to refuse. When Hyde asks whether Lanyon wants to witness what will happen, Lanyon has no idea what he is being offered. It appears from Hyde’s outburst here, though, that Jekyll/Hyde’s real view is less generous. The note asking for his help refers to Lanyon as one of Jekyll’s ‘oldest friends’ and to their argument as differences of scientific opinion. Maybe this is how Jekyll secretly views Lanyon. Hyde becomes arrogant, disdainful and rude, even suggesting he (Hyde/Jekyll) is superior to Lanyon, who has ‘derided superiors’. Hyde has the advantage of knowing who Lanyon is, but Lanyon does not know who Hyde is. His long speech to Lanyon is fluent and articulate. Once he has his potion, Hyde is more confident. In showing Lanyon clinically analysing his own response to Hyde, Stevenson reminds us of Lanyon’s attitude to science, which is his point of difference with Jekyll/Hyde. Lanyon’s language communicates his dislike we too might wince at the idea of his teeth grating and his ‘ghastly’ face. ![]() ![]() This is compounded by the anxiety and rudeness displayed by Hyde, who grabs desperately at him. Lanyon, like others before him, is instantly repelled by Hyde. As such, this encounter is a crucial scene and the relationship between the main characters, Lanyon and Jekyll/Hyde, is clarified through it. It culminates in the revelation of the secret at the heart of the novella - that Hyde is Jekyll’s alter ego. Lanyon’s encounter with Hyde is the only meeting between the two, and contains Hyde’s only long speech in the novella. ![]()
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