# XII: The Sayers of the Law explained — The Island of Doctor Moreau

> Chapter companion for The Island of Doctor Moreau by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

Prendick is taken to a hut in the Beast Folk village, where he is forced to participate in a mad litany reciting the Law. The ceremony is interrupted by the arrival of Moreau and Montgomery, who pursue Prendick. Prendick escapes through a narrow gap in the rock, runs through reeds and undergrowth, and falls into a ravine. He hears the chase fade away and realizes there is no hope of help from the Beast Folk.

## Themes in this chapter

### Humanity vs. Animality

The Beast Folk recite a Law that forbids animal behaviors, yet their instincts constantly threaten to break through, highlighting the fragile boundary between human and beast.

### Fear and Control

Moreau uses the Law and physical punishment to dominate the Beast Folk, and Prendick is hunted through the island, illustrating control through terror.

### Madness and Perception

Prendick describes the ceremony as 'the insanest ceremony' and feels he might be 'already dead and in another world,' emphasizing the surreal and maddening environment.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Prendick

Forced to participate in the Law ceremony, then flees from Moreau and the Beast Folk.

### Doctor Moreau

Appears with a staghound and orders the Beast Folk to catch Prendick.

### Montgomery

Follows Moreau with a revolver, shouting for Prendick to run.

### The Beast Folk

Chant the Law, pursue Prendick, and are described as misshapen and bestial.

### Mister Shut

Implied as the 'grey sayer of the law' who leads the litany.

## Key lines

> Not to go on all fours; that is the law. Are we not men?

The Law forbids walking on all fours, asserting the creatures' humanity.

_Central refrain of the Law ceremony, reinforcing the theme of humanity vs. animality._

> I could have imagined I was already dead and in another world.

Prendick felt as if he had died and entered a bizarre afterlife.

_Highlights the surreal and disorienting nature of the Beast Folk village._

> I saw my death before me; but I was hot and panting, with the warm blood oozing out on my face and running pleasantly through my veins. I felt more than a touch of exultation too, at having distanced my pursuers.

Prendick faced the prospect of death but felt exhilaration from his escape.

_Reveals Prendick's complex emotional state—despair mixed with triumph._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_island_of_doctor_moreau_se/chapters/xii-the-sayers-of-the-law
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_island_of_doctor_moreau_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_island_of_doctor_moreau_se/chapters