How are animals initially represented in The Island of Dr. Moreau?
They are depicted as aggressive, violent, and threatening, with growling and howling, reinforcing a negative representation of nonhuman animals.
What concept from Julia Kristeva can be linked to M’ling’s depiction in the novel?
The concept of abjection, where M’ling embodies the abject through his unsettling combination of human and animal traits, evoking fear and disgust.
How does M’ling's portrayal introduce themes of colonial and racial anxiety?
M’ling's animal qualities are linked to racial othering, reflecting colonial anxieties and racist undertones in the depiction of the nonhuman.
How does the protagonist's (=Prendick) scientific background influence his view of the nonhuman in the novel?
Prendick views the nonhuman through a rationalist, scientific gaze, categorizing and dehumanizing the animal beings, which reflects an anthropocentric worldview.
What role does vivisection play in the horror of The Island of Dr. Moreau?
Vivisection is a key site of horror, with Dr. Moreau conducting gruesome experiments on animals, raising ethical questions about science and the treatment of nonhuman life.
What is significant about the protagonist's reaction to the puma’s cries?
Prendick is disturbed by the puma’s cries, not out of empathy, but due to his own discomfort, highlighting a lack of moral consideration for the animal’s suffering.
What does the novel suggest about the nature of scientific inquiry?
It critiques the pursuit of knowledge without ethical limits, suggesting that science can lead to horrific consequences when divorced from moral considerations.
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