The Island of Dr. Moreau

The Island of Dr. Moreau was originally a science fiction novel written by famed British author H.G. Wells, also known for War of the Worlds and The Time Machine. First published in 1896, the novel tells the story of Edward Prendick, shipwrecked and deposited on an island where Dr. Moreau creates human-like creatures through vivisection. Vivisection is the term for medical experimentation on live animals, and is ethically questionable. It has been adapted into film versions several times, the most recent being a notorious 1996 adaptation starring Marlon Brando.

The Island of Dr. Moreau opens with Edward Prendick rescued by a passing ship where the mysterious Montgomery is taking his cargo of animals to Dr. Moreau. Prendick recalls the name, remembering that Dr. Moreau had been banished from London society as the result of his gruesome experiments.

On the island, Prendick encounters a number of grotesque creatures. Wandering into Moreau's laboratory, he sees a humanoid figure, and comes to suspect that not only is Dr. Moreau conducting human vivisection, but that he, Prendick, will be the next experimental victim. Moreau explains that instead he is attempting to turn animals into men. After fights with these Beast Folk, both Moreau and Montgomery are killed. After living with the Beast Folk for some months, Prendick escapes on a raft. Returning to London, he finds that he can no longer live in the presence of other humans, living in solitude in the country.