The Island of Doctor Moreau

What is the significance of the events leading up to Prendick arriving on the island (the sinking of his ship, his rescue by another ship)? How do these events introduce themes that will be developed in the remainder of the novel? Why is it significant that Moreau lives and conducts his experiments on an island rather than in another isolated location?

Discuss how Prendick, Montgomery, and Moreau relate to one another. Which of the three men exerts the most power, and in what ways? Why is Montgomery loyal to Moreau, and how do his motivations differ from Moreau’s?

To what extent is Moreau a “mad scientist” figure? What is the nature and source of his intense ambition? What drives him to pursue his research and experiments? Why does he choose to leave England rather than abandon his work?

What features of human civilization do the Beast People replicate in their lifestyle on the island? What is the significance of the Law, and how does it allow Moreau and Montgomery to maintain control over the Beast People? When the Beast People realize that Moreau is dead, why is Prendick quick to insist that the Law still applies?

What signs or behaviors indicate that the Beast People have begun to rebel? Was their eventual rebellion inevitable? What steps do Moreau, Montgomery, and eventually Prendick take to attempt to assert their authority? Why do these actions fail, and is there anything that they could have done to maintain their hold on power?

What is the role of chance or coincidence in Prendick finally escaping from the island? Is he heroic, or merely lucky? Why does Prendick have such a difficult time reacclimatizing to life in England? What choices or actions finally allow him to feel relatively secure?

What is the impact of the first-person narration utilized throughout the novel? How does it heighten the suspense and emotional impact of the plot? Are there ever indications that Prendick might be an unreliable narrator? What would hearing directly from Montgomery, Moreau, or one of the Beast People have added to the plot?

To what extent can Moreau’s island be considered an allegory for Victorian society? How does Wells use allegory to articulate social critique?