Island of Dr.

Moreau Essay

A reader’s initial reading and interpretation can be altered through the application of alternative
reading practices. The application of different reading practices has allowed the reader to gain
differing interpretations of ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’. Written by H.G. Wells is a novel that follows
Prendick as he travels to an island where experiments on animals to turn them into humans occur
and his experiences on the island. When viewed through individual reading lenses, the text
communicates the exploitation of the lower class, how morality is relative to one’s circumstances,
and the role of religion for control. The text communicates these ideas through the application of
Marxist, humanist, and theocentric readings.

Firstly, when read through a Marxist lens, ‘The Island of Dr. Moreau’ conveys the exploitation of the
lower class. Marxism is a political ideology that concerns the separation and treatment of class. In
the novel, the humans represent the upper class whereas the Beast Folk represents the working
lower class. The novel uses the authoritarian rule of the humans over the Beast Folk to communicate
ideas of social stratification in society and uses the nature of the Beast Folk to demonstrate how the
upper class viewed the lower class as less than human. “Imagine yourself surrounded by all the most
horrible cripples and maniacs”, the use of ‘horrible cripples and maniacs’ describes the Beast Folk
and thus the working class as uncivilised and terrible and demonstrates the opinions the upper class
had towards those below. How the Beast Folk are created from animals and never able to become
truly human communicates how those born into the working class were never equal to the ruling
class and would never be accepted by them. After applying a Marxist lens, H.G. Wells communicates
the social inequalities between the upper and lower classes through the treatment of the Beast Folk
by humans.

Secondly, when viewed through a humanist lens the text communicates the idea that morality is
only relative to one’s circumstances and that when one is put in a survival situation one must do
whatever it takes to survive. Humanism concerns one’s ability to act morally and ethically
appropriate toward others. Initially, Prendick was horrified by Moreau’s treatment of the Beast Folk
on the island, but after it becomes a life-or-death situation, he also eventually sees himself
committing the same acts. Known to the Beast Folk as a human with a “whip”, Prendick at first
despised Moreau’s brainwashing but as soon as it seemed necessary for survival, he embraced it. He
said “a thousand things that seemed unnatural and repulsive speedily became natural and ordinary
to me” which demonstrates that as his circumstances change, so too does his sense of morality as he
begins to accept the torture of the animals on the island. He must act inhumanely towards the Beast
Folk to ensure his safety, therefore providing his actions with some sort of justification. In summary,
“The Island of Dr. Moreau” when applied with a humanist lens demonstrates the flexibility of
morality and being able to cross the line when it is needed for survival, this is portrayed through the
development of Prendick’s morality as he gets accustomed to the horrific events on the island.

Lastly, after applying a theocentric lens the text mocks religion to challenge religious belief, that faith
is just another method of control. Theocentricism is the belief that God is at the center of our
existence. Dr. Moreau in the text quite literally symbolizes God, from the white hair, unquestioned
authority, ability to make new creatures, and role of distributor of pleasure and punishment the
Beast Folk worship him and follow what he commands without question. “His is the House of Pain.
His is the Hand that makes. His is the Hand that wounds.” Moreau has instilled these ‘laws’ into their
brains the same way that religion manipulates people into submission to avoid punishment in hell.
The Beast Folk’s humanity is tied to their faith in the same way that followers of many religions seek
spiritual purity in contemporary society, Moreau is using their faith and dedication to him to control
them the same reason why many people in contemporary society have chosen to reject religion and
live how they want. In summary after applying a theocentric lens to “The Island of Dr. Moreau” the
text challenges religious belief, deeming that faith is just another method of control through the
brainwashing of the Beast Folk into worshipping Moreau.

Viewing texts through different reading lenses is critical to revealing details and messages that the
story is attempting to communicate. “Jasper Jones” is a novel that when applied with Marxist,
humanist, and theocentric readings communicate the ideas of the exploitation of the lower class, the
ignorance of morality when in life-dependent situations, and the role of religion for control. “The
Island of Dr. Moreau” provides an insight into many everyday issues and demonstrates the
consequences of unregulated scientific experimentation.