The Island of Doctor Moreau · Chapter
XVIII: The Finding of Moreau explained
Prendick, Montgomery, and M'ling venture into the island to find the missing Moreau.
What happens
Prendick, Montgomery, and M'ling venture into the island to find the missing Moreau. They encounter a group of Beast Folk who report Moreau's death. Prendick, realizing the need to maintain order, denies Moreau's death and claims he has changed form and watches from above. They are attacked by a bloodied beast, which Prendick kills. They find Moreau's body, mauled by the puma, and carry it back to the enclosure. After locking themselves in, they destroy the living creatures in the laboratory.
Themes in this chapter
Fear and Control
Prendick manipulates the Beast Folk by claiming Moreau is still alive and watching, using fear to maintain order and prevent rebellion.
The Nature of Suffering
The puma's mutilated body and Moreau's violent death highlight the physical and psychological suffering inherent in the island's experiments.
Madness and Perception
Montgomery's drunkenness and the Beast Folk's confused, superstitious reactions blur the line between rational and irrational behavior.
Characters to notice
- Edward Prendick
Takes charge, denies Moreau's death to maintain order, kills an attacking beast, and helps carry Moreau's body.
- Montgomery
Drunk and sullen, but cooperates in the search; is attacked and nearly killed, but survives.
- M'ling
Leads the way, attacks the beast but is struck aside, later leaves with the Beast Folk.
- Doctor Moreau
Found dead, his body battered by the puma; his death is concealed by Prendick to prevent chaos.
- The Beast Folk
Report Moreau's death, are awestruck and puzzled, help carry the body, and later depart.
Key passages
“When I saw Montgomery swallow a third dose of brandy, I took it upon myself to interfere.”
Prendick decides to intervene after watching Montgomery drink heavily.
Shows Prendick's growing sense of responsibility and concern for Montgomery's state.
“He is not dead; he is not dead, jabbered another.”
A Beast Folk insists that Moreau is still alive.
Highlights the confusion and denial among the Beast Folk regarding Moreau's fate.
“Children of the law, I said, he is not dead!”
Prendick declares to the Beast Folk that Moreau is still alive.
Prendick's strategic lie to maintain control and prevent chaos.
“He sends the fire that kills, said he, in his deep voice, repeating part of the ritual.”
The grey creature recites the Law, attributing the killing to Moreau's power.
Illustrates the Beast Folk's ingrained belief in the Law and Moreau's authority.