# XVI: How the Beast Folk Taste Blood explained — The Island of Doctor Moreau

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

## What happens

Prendick reflects on the cruelty of Moreau's experiments, seeing the beast folk as trapped between instinct and humanity. After breakfast, Montgomery takes him to see the fumarole and hot spring; they encounter a dead rabbit, evidence that a carnivorous beast has broken the Law. The leopard-man is accused, and when Moreau confronts him, the creature attacks. A frenzied hunt ensues, with Prendick joining the chase alongside the hyena-swine and other beast folk.

## Themes in this chapter

### Science Without Ethics

Prendick condemns Moreau's 'mad, aimless investigations' and the wanton suffering inflicted on the beast folk.

### Humanity vs. Animality

The leopard-man's attack and the beast folk's eager pursuit highlight the struggle between learned law and primal instinct.

### The Nature of Suffering

Prendick reflects on the beast folk's 'long internal struggle' and the 'painful disorder' of existence on the island.

## Character check-ins

### Edward Prendick

Narrates his growing horror at Moreau's cruelty and participates in the hunt for the leopard-man.

### Montgomery

Leads Prendick across the island, discovers the dead rabbit, and joins the pursuit of the leopard-man.

### Doctor Moreau

Confronts the leopard-man for breaking the Law; is attacked and then leads the hunt.

### M'ling

Pursues the leopard-man closely during the hunt.

### The Beast Folk

The satyr, ape-man, hyena-swine, wolf-women, swine folk, and bull-men all participate in the chase, showing their bloodlust.

## Key lines

> I began to see the viler aspect of Moreau’s cruelty. I had not thought before of the pain and trouble that came to these poor victims after they had passed from Moreau’s hands.

Prendick realizes that the suffering of the beast folk extends far beyond the initial vivisection, lasting throughout their entire lives.

_Highlights the theme of science without ethics and the nature of suffering._

> A blind fate, a vast pitiless mechanism, seemed to cut and shape the fabric of existence and I, Moreau (by his passion for research), Montgomery (by his passion for drink), the beast people with their instincts and mental restrictions, were torn and crushed, ruthlessly, inevitably, amid the infinite complexity of its incessant wheels.

Prendick sees all beings on the island as helpless victims of an indifferent, mechanical universe.

_Reflects Prendick's existential despair and the theme of the nature of suffering._

> The whole circle of threescore monsters seemed to rise about us. I drew my revolver. The two figures collided. I saw Moreau reeling back from the leopard-man’s blow.

When the leopard-man attacks Moreau, the beast folk surge forward, and Prendick fears a general revolt.

_Marks the escalation of violence and the breakdown of the Law._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_island_of_doctor_moreau_se/chapters/xvi-how-the-beast-folk-taste-blood
- 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