The Island of Doctor Moreau · Chapter
XIX: Montgomery’s Bank Holiday explained
After Moreau's death, Montgomery descends into despair and drunkenness, giving brandy to the Beast Folk and leading them in a chaotic revelry.
What happens
After Moreau's death, Montgomery descends into despair and drunkenness, giving brandy to the Beast Folk and leading them in a chaotic revelry. Prendick, observing the collapse of order, plans his escape but is thwarted when Montgomery burns the boats. A violent confrontation ensues, leaving Montgomery fatally wounded and the enclosure destroyed by fire.
Themes in this chapter
Isolation and Alienation
Montgomery's despair highlights his complete isolation from human society, feeling an outcast even after years on the island.
Humanity vs. Animality
Montgomery's drunken behavior and his giving brandy to the Beast Folk blur the line between human and beast, culminating in violent regression.
Madness and Perception
Montgomery's irrational actions and Prendick's grim rationality contrast sharply, showing how madness distorts perception of reality and morality.
Characters to notice
- Edward Prendick
Observes Montgomery's breakdown, plans escape, and confronts the aftermath of the chaos.
- Montgomery
Drinks heavily, gives brandy to the Beast Folk, burns the boats, and is killed in a struggle.
- M'ling
Faithfully follows Montgomery, receives brandy, and dies with a smashed bottle in his hand.
- The Beast Folk
Participate in Montgomery's drunken revelry, attack him, and flee in panic after Prendick fires his revolver.
- Doctor Moreau
Lies dead in the enclosure, his body part of the pyre that Prendick plans to burn.
Key passages
“This silly ass of a world... what a muddle it all is! I haven't had any life. I wonder when it's going to begin.”
Montgomery laments the futility of his existence, feeling that his life has been wasted and meaningless.
Reveals Montgomery's deep existential despair and sense of wasted potential.
“You've made a beast of yourself—to the beasts you may go.”
Prendick condemns Montgomery for his drunken behavior, telling him he belongs with the animal-like creatures.
Highlights the theme of humanity vs. animality and Prendick's moral judgment.
“I'm bound to cut my throat tomorrow. I'm going to have a damned bank holiday tonight.”
Montgomery declares his intention to commit suicide the next day and decides to indulge in a final night of reckless celebration.
Foreshadows Montgomery's death and his embrace of hedonistic self-destruction.