Lanyon Key Themes Flashcards
“Such unscientific balderdash…would have estranged Damon and Pythias” chapter 2
Embodiment of rationalism: in the dichotomy between Dr Jekyll and Dr Lanyon Stevenson explores scientific rationalism vs the allure of the unknown. Lanyon embodies rationalism dismissing Jekylls experiments as “unscientific balderdash” a scathing indictment that exposes their polar perspectives.
While both are doctors, Lanyon unwavering adherence to the verifiable separates him from Jekylls morbid curiosity and exploration into uncharted territories of repressed desires.
Mythological allusions: Lanyon allusion to mythology with “Damion and Pythias” serves to ridicule him as a scientist, revealing that his beliefs extend beyond the purely scientific realm.
Stevenson may be offering sritique of how science heavily influenced by religion can become distorted and inherently flawed, perhaps prompting a reassessment of the relationship between science and religion. This exposes the blurred line between scientific objectivity and the lingering influence of religious belief
“My life is chained to its roots”
Natural metaphor: the natural metaphor of Lanyon life “shaken to its roots” represents how physically and symbolically, these unorthodox and unnatural experiments have uprooted every aspect of Lanyon existence, destabilising his worldview to its core.
Lanyon natural imagery serves as another attempt to emphasise the unnatural essence of metaphysical science. He illuminates how delving into this realm causes a departure from the natural order, portraying Jekylls dual and suppressed nature as emblematic of unnatural sin.
“Shaken” connotations: as “shaken” connotes disruption, Stevenson, through Lanyon reaction, doesn’t just ridicule the fragility of Victorian ideals, he exposes a deeper existential crisis, one caused by a disruption of worldwide views.
Death becomes preferable to the complete dismantling of this meticulously constructed worldview. Lanyon demise symbolises the struggle of individuals trying to reconcile scientific advancement with their entrenched moral and religious frameworks.
