Exploring Darkness and Hubris in British Fiction
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Chapter 1: The Intellectual Climate of Victorian Britain
The late Victorian period was heavily influenced by Darwinian theories, which sparked significant concerns and debates regarding human existence. Among those grappling with these ideas were two prominent authors, H.G. Wells and Joseph Conrad.
In 1896, Conrad discovered that Wells had anonymously reviewed his novel An Outcast of the Islands. They began a correspondence, with Conrad expressing admiration for Wells’ The War of the Worlds and requesting a copy of The Island of Doctor Moreau. Their ongoing exchange reflected a mutual respect that would eventually shape their literary works.
Notably, when Conrad started drafting Heart of Darkness around December 15, 1898, he was undoubtedly influenced by Wells’ imaginative storytelling. Both authors utilized a primary narrator to frame their respective tales, allowing for a rich exploration of complex themes. I have discussed The Time Machine in a previous piece for Counter Arts.
Section 1.1: Themes of Colonialism and Evolutionary Ethics
Conrad’s works, particularly Heart of Darkness, delve into themes such as the moral ambiguity surrounding the self-styled ‘Superman’ and the devastating consequences of colonial ambitions fueled by a misguided sense of evolutionary superiority. These themes resonate strongly with Wells’s pioneering ‘scientific romances.’
The impact of Darwin’s theories on both writers cannot be overstated. Their works consistently address the darker implications of Darwinism, particularly the notion of "survival of the fittest." Both authors grappled with the ethical ramifications of these ideas.
Wells was notably influenced by T. H. Huxley, whose lecture “Evolution and Ethics” in 1893 critiqued the misuse of Darwinism to justify exploitation and moral decay in society. Huxley’s insights countered the dangerous ideologies of Thomas Malthus and Herbert Spencer, which had paved the way for economic exploitation and nationalism, culminating in colonialism and, in extreme cases, genocide.
Subsection 1.1.1: The Island of Doctor Moreau
In The Island of Doctor Moreau, H.G. Wells presents a chilling exploration of the ‘mad scientist’ archetype. The protagonist, Edward Prendick, survives a shipwreck only to find himself on a mysterious island governed by Dr. Moreau, a scientist conducting horrific experiments on animals to create human-animal hybrids.
Moreau’s actions reflect a grotesque pursuit of scientific ambition reminiscent of Mary Shelley’s Dr. Frankenstein. Wells raises crucial questions about the ethics of playing God and the consequences of manipulating life. Furthermore, he critiques the imposition of belief systems upon others, drawing parallels to European colonialism.
As Moreau imposes his own "Law" on his creations, the narrative serves as a metaphor for the dehumanization prevalent in colonial practices. The ethical dilemmas posed by Moreau’s experiments echo the moral failings of society when stripped of its civilized veneer, highlighting the dangers of unchecked scientific progress devoid of moral considerations.
Chapter 2: Cinematic Interpretations and Cultural Reflections
The first video, Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad BOOK REVIEW, provides insights into Conrad's exploration of colonialism and human nature, enriching our understanding of his themes.
Wells’s portrayal of Dr. Moreau as a eugenicist raises pressing questions about humanity and ethics. The film adaptation The Island of Lost Souls (1933) captures this tension, introducing a character not present in the novel while also showcasing a disturbing performance by Charles Laughton.
Critics often consider this adaptation the best, despite Wells’s disdain for it. He believed it misrepresented his critique of Victorian anxieties. Nevertheless, Laughton’s portrayal emphasizes the moral corruption that can arise when scientific inquiry is pursued without regard for ethical boundaries.
The second video, Joseph Conrad's book Heart of Darkness, offers a deeper exploration into the psychological and moral complexities faced by Marlow, the narrator, as he encounters Kurtz, an ivory trader whose actions reflect the darkest aspects of colonialism.
As Marlow journeys to confront Kurtz, he uncovers the horrifying realities of a neo-Darwinian mindset that has emerged amidst the chaos of colonial enterprise. The parallels between Kurtz and Moreau serve as a stark reminder of the ethical dilemmas that arise when scientific and colonial ambitions intertwine.
To be continued.
Sadie Seroxcat