Dr. Lanyon in 'Jekyll and Hyde': a curious character
I can make links between the characterisation of Lanyon and Stevenson’s key themes of hypocrisy and concealment.
Dr. Lanyon in 'Jekyll and Hyde': a curious character
I can make links between the characterisation of Lanyon and Stevenson’s key themes of hypocrisy and concealment.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Lanyon may seem like a foil to Jekyll, but ultimately he also succumbs to his curiosity
- Lanyon and Jekyll have opposing scientific views: Lanyon more conventional, whereas Jekyll pushes boundaries
- By including their two first person narratives at the end of the novella, Stevenson invites comparison between the men
- Despite the tension between them, Lanyon continues to protect Jekyll's reputation until after his death
- Lanyon makes an active choice to witness Hyde's transformation, suggesting that he shares in the blame for his death
Keywords
Foil - In literature, a foil is a secondary character whose purpose is to highlight or accentuate some aspect of the main character.
Pedant - A pedant is someone who is excessively concerned with minor details.
Rational - If something is based on reason or logic then it is rational.
Complicity - Complicity is when someone is involved in an activity with others that is unlawful or morally wrong.
Concealment - If you are hiding something or preventing it being known, this is known as concealment.
Common misconception
Whether Dr. Lanyon being a foil for Dr. Jekyll is a straightforward answer.
Whether Lanyon is a foil for Jekyll is debatable. They have clear differences (e.g. scientific views) but similarities too (curiosity).
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Dr. Lanyon in 'Jekyll and Hyde': a curious character, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your year 11 english lesson on: Dr. Lanyon in 'Jekyll and Hyde': a curious character, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
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Explore more key stage 4 english lessons from the Jekyll & Hyde: society as the villain unit, dive into the full secondary english curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.
Equipment
You will need access to a copy of 'The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde' by Robert Louis Stevenson for this lesson.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Doctor
A chemical doctor
MP
Butler
Lawyer