Character Analysis: The Man Who Evolved

In the short story “The Man Who Evolved” written by Edmond Hamilton, a mad scientist Pollard evolves to human forms under concentrated cosmic rays. The passage is centrally important to the story, as it hints the potential horror scientists may endure if they do not follow scientific procedures responsibly. In the passage, Hamilton compares the results of the scientific research. Through this comparison, he communicates the overarching idea that even though scientific research on evolution may bring some beneficial effect to human beings, its ultimate result should be carefully considered, as in the story the research creates a mind twisted monster that wants to own the entire world.

Scientific research on evolution may bring beneficial effects, such as intellectual prowess in the story. Pollard is able to create a "yellow sheen of pure gold... in a moment, apparently, by a mixture of common compounds". Moreover, he "can destroy all life on this earth from this room... construct a telescope that will allow [him] to look on the planets of the

Pollard is depicted as something “grotesque”, which is an adjective that is used to describe something ugly and twisted. As he is dehumanizing Pollard by describing him as something grotesque, Hamilton is inviting horror in reader’s imagination of Pollard. These description of Pollard gives readers a sense of disgust and terror, as he is turned into a creature that has less semblance with his original forms. Furthermore, Hamilton uses specific wording to create an ominous tone, creating a feeling of risk in scientific research. He utilizes words including “destroy”, “own”, “rule”, grotesque”, and “perish” to infuse fear in his readers, as the words suggest the idea of destruction, enslavement, and ugliness, elements that people try to avoid in this