The Island of Dr. Moreau

The Island of Dr. Moreau is an 1896 science-fiction novel written by H.G. Wells. It has been made into a movie on three occasions: 1933, 1977, and 1996. Moreau was played by, respectively, Charles Laughton, Burt Lancaster, and Marlon Brando. Moreau is also featured in the comic book series The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen.

Related Topics:
1896 - Science-fiction - Novel - H.G. Wells - 1933 - 1977 - 1996 - Charles Laughton - Burt Lancaster - Marlon Brando - Comic book - The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Dr. Moreau's first name is never given, though Alan Moore in The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen calls him Alphonse.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The novel addresses ideas of society and community, human nature and identity, religion, the dangers of unchecked and irresponsible scientific research, Darwinism, and eugenics.

Related Topics:
Society - Community - Human nature - Identity - Religion - Darwinism - Eugenics

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Around the time the novel was written (late 19th century) England's scientific community was engulfed by debates on animal vivisection. Interest groups were even formed to tackle the issue: British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection was formed two years after the publishing of the novel.

Related Topics:
Vivisection - Interest groups - British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The novel is presented as a discovered manuscript, introduced by the narrators' nephew; it then 'transcribes' the tale.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Edward Prendick is shipwrecked in the Pacific. Rescued by Moreau's assistant Montgomery he is taken to the doctor's home. There he discovers the doctor has been experimenting on the animal inhabitants of the island creating bizarre proto-humans.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~