Lanyon's Narrative

Dr. Hastie Lanyon's account of the night he witnessed the transformation of Hyde into Jekyll, which led to his death.

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The Strange Letter

The Strange Letter A Registered Envelope Lanyon receives a registered letter from Jekyll, who he had dined with the night before. The letter is desperate and detailed, asking Lanyon to break into his cabinet and retrieve a drawer. Lanyon is puzzled but feels obliged to comply. The Errand He goes to Jekyll's house, where Poole is waiting with a locksmith. They force the cabinet door, and Lanyon takes the drawer, which contains powders, a phial, and a book. He returns home with it. The Growing Suspicion Lanyon examines the contents: a white salt, a blood-red liquor, and a logbook of experiments. He is increasingly convinced that Jekyll is insane, but he follows the instructions.

The Midnight Visitor

The Midnight Visitor A Small Man Crouching At midnight, Lanyon's doorbell rings. He finds a small man crouching against the pillars, who identifies himself as Jekyll's messenger. Lanyon brings him into the consulting room. The Visitor's Appearance The man is small, with a shocking expression, and dressed in clothes far too large for him. Lanyon feels a disgustful curiosity and a physical revulsion. The Request for the Drawer The visitor impatiently asks for the drawer. Lanyon points to it, and the man springs to it, sobbing with relief. He then asks for a graduated glass and begins to mix the chemicals.

The Transformation Witnessed

The Transformation Witnessed The Mixture Prepared The visitor measures out the red tincture and adds a powder. The mixture changes color: red, then dark purple, then watery green. He smiles and offers Lanyon a choice: to let him go in ignorance or to witness a prodigy. The Drink and the Change Lanyon chooses to see. The man drinks the potion, and Lanyon watches him swell and change. His features melt and alter, and within moments, Henry Jekyll stands before him. The Horror of the Truth Lanyon is shattered. He sees the moral turpitude that Jekyll unveils, and he cannot bear it. He falls into a decline, knowing that he will die. He writes his account for Utterson, sealing it to be opened after Jekyll's death or disappearance.

9th January, evening

midnight, 9th January

midnight, 9th January