The Island of Dr. Moreau: The God Complex

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Recommended: Principles of biomedical ethics

Germany cured HIV and leukemia using stem cell transplants. (“Doctors Claim”). Spinal Cord injuries are being cured in the United States through the use of stem cell therapy (“Stem Cell Research”). Scotland cloned a sheep using a stem cell from a mammary gland(Knight). Despite all of these promising discoveries, H. G. Wells warns of the dangers involved in scientific advances. H. G. Wells’ The Island of Dr. Moreau was written in 1896. Initially, The Island of Dr. Moreau portrays a castaway on an island governed by a deranged scientist attempting to create man through horrific experiments. As an exploration of ethics, Wells’ novel questions whether man is responsible enough to wield power over other forms of life and influence evolution in the face of current scientific breakthroughs in medicine. Written over 115 years ago, The Island of Dr. Moreau raises ethical concerns relevant in today’s society. It is clear to see that man imposes his will on lesser beings, tries to hasten evolution through science, and behaves irresponsibly for selfish purposes. The Island of Dr. Moreau resembles the Garden of Eden, except in Wells' distorted version, man has seized God's role as creator. Edward Prendick is a castaway, rescued and taken to an island by a man named Montgomery. After being kept in a room for several days, Prendick wonders what is happening outside of the four walls he is trapped in. He eventually meets Dr. Moreau: a scientist expelled from England for the illegal vivisection of animals. On his island, Montgomery brings back animals so that Moreau can continue with his experiments. He is trying to turn humans into animals. Eventually Moreau is killed by his latest experiment, and Montgomery follows not long after. Prendick f... ... middle of paper ... ...es." The Living Novel. 1947. Reprint in: “H. G. Wells Twentieth-century Literary Criticism.” Vol. 6. Detroit: Gale Research, 1982. 534-35. Print. "Rabbits in Laboratories | PETA.org." People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA): The Animal Rights Organization | PETA.org. Web. 13 May 2011. . "Stem Cell Basics: Introduction [Stem Cell Information]." NIH Stem Cell Information Home Page. The National Institutes of Health Resource for Stem Cell Research, 28 Apr. 2009. Web. 11 May 2011. . "Stem Cell Research Facts - Adult Stem Cell Success." - Adult Stem Cells - Therapies and Treatments. Web. 11 May 2011. . Wells, H. G. The Island of Dr. Moreau. 1896. Print.

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