'Jekyll and Hyde': examining Lanyon as a foil to Jekyll

In literature, a foil is a contrasting character who highlights another’s qualities or flaws. Lanyon acts as a foil to Jekyll in the novella. Lanyon represents the rational and reputable face of science, highlighting Jekyll’s recklessness. Some argue that Lanyon represents Stevenson’s own criticisms of unfettered scientific experimentation. Lanyon and Jekyll’s conflict may represent the contemporary concerns about science.