The novel The Island of Doctor Moreau demonstrates the views of Herbert Wells on human nature, the development of personality, and the connection between the spiritual and the animal in people. Even though the creatures of Moreau and Montgomery can be called monsters, the two scientists are much more terrible than their unfortunate animals. Human nature in the novel appears in its primitiveness, indicating what is essential to remain human.
The human-like creatures of the two scientists behave with animal cruelty, demonstrating the power of instincts over their behavior. Wells indicates that the mind and the ability to self-control distinguish people from animals. However, Doctor Moreau does not seem quite reasonable and aware of his actions despite his extraordinary abilities. He acts as a destructive force, conducting a monstrous experiment with no clear goal. Even though Montgomery is not directly involved in the experiments, he is also responsible for the inhuman acts because he does not try to stop Doctor Moreau. What makes these two monsters is their inherent inability to empathize and sympathize. Without these good aspirations, people do not comprehend the pain caused by their actions.
Little distinguishes the scientists from their creatures, controlled only by their bestial instincts. Moreau and Montgomery are chasing their selfish desires and cannot stop.
The Island of Doctor Moreau demonstrates that a person can turn into a monster and lose touch with everything human. A fine line separates a man from an animal: it is the ability for self-control and sympathy for one’s neighbor, which animals lack. When people lose this, they fall into the power of primitive aspirations, and no ambitious goal can justify them.
Thus, The Island of Doctor Moreau tells how easy it is to lose the distinction between human and animal nature. Doctor Moreau and Montgomery become monsters because they cease to be compassionate and sympathize with the pain of others. The novel’s plot demonstrates the negative consequences of the lack of empathy and the ability to self-control. Doctor Moreau and Montgomery are real monsters who take pleasure in causing suffering to living beings.