45 minutes; 1 question; 40 marks; 20% of GCSE
Respond concisely…
On the ninth of January, Dr. Lanyon receives a registered envelope from Dr. Jekyll, which surprises him as they rarely correspond formally, especially after dining together the previous evening.
The letter inside begins with Dr. Jekyll addressing Dr. Lanyon as one of his oldest friends and expressing deep trust in him, despite their scientific disagreements.
Dr. Jekyll urgently pleads for Dr. Lanyon's help, explaining that his life, honour, and reason depend entirely on him fulfilling the request outlined in the letter.
Dr. Jekyll instructs Dr. Lanyon to drop all engagements and immediately travel to Dr. Jekyll's house, where the butler Poole and a locksmith will be waiting to force open the door to his cabinet.
Dr. Lanyon is directed to open a specific drawer in the cabinet, identified by its contents (powders, a phial, and a paper book), and to bring it back to his consulting room in Cavendish Square without altering anything.
Dr. Jekyll requests Dr. Lanyon to wait alone in his consulting room until midnight, when a man sent in Dr. Jekyll's name will arrive to collect the drawer.
The letter emphasises the critical importance of these actions and warns Dr. Lanyon that any failure to comply could result in Dr. Jekyll's death or the breakdown of his sanity.
Dr. Jekyll expresses his deep distress and desperation, urging Dr. Lanyon to act swiftly and trust that the reasons will become clear if he follows through with the instructions.
A postscript to the letter acknowledges the possibility of postal delays and advises Dr. Lanyon to carry out the request the following day if necessary, but warns that any further delay could be catastrophic.