XI: The Hunting of the Man explained

What happens

Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.

Themes in this chapter

• Science Without Ethics

  Prendick's realization that Moreau has been vivisecting humans underscores the theme of unethical scientific experimentation.

• Humanity vs. Animality

  Prendick's interactions with the simian Beast Man highlight the blurred line between human and beast.

• Fear and Control

  Prendick's panic and flight demonstrate the theme of fear driving actions and the struggle for control over one's fate.

Characters to notice

• Edward Prendick

  Flees from Montgomery, hides, and later follows a simian Beast Man to their huts.

• Montgomery

  Attempts to lock Prendick in his room; chases after him but loses him.

• Doctor Moreau

  Mentioned as the vivisector; Prendick is convinced he has been experimenting on humans.

• The Beast Folk

  Prendick encounters a simian Beast Man who leads him to the Beast Folk's huts.

Key passages

• “It came before my mind with an unreasonable hope of escape that the outer door of my room was still open to me.”

  I suddenly realized, with a faint hope of getting away, that the outer door of my room was still unlocked.

  Prendick's desperate hope for escape as he realizes the door is open.

• “I was convinced now, absolutely assured, that Moreau had been vivisecting a human being.”

  I was now completely certain that Moreau had been performing vivisection on a human.

  Prendick's firm belief about Moreau's experiments.

• “I heard a step outside, and incontinently flung open the door and found Montgomery within a yard of it.”

  Hearing footsteps, I immediately threw open the door and saw Montgomery just a yard away.

  Prendick's impulsive action upon hearing Montgomery approach.

• “I raised this nailed stick of mine and cut at his face; but he sprang back.”

  I swung my stick with the nail at his face, but he jumped back to avoid it.

  Prendick attacks Montgomery with a makeshift weapon.

• “I ran furiously up the slope, over it, then turning eastward along a rocky valley fringed on either side with jungle I ran for perhaps a mile altogether, my chest straining, my heart beating in my ears.”

  I sprinted up the slope, crossed it, and then ran east through a rocky valley lined with jungle for about a mile, my chest heaving and heart pounding loudly.

  Prendick's frantic run to escape Montgomery.

• “I heard a staghound bay, and at that realised a new danger.”

  The sound of a staghound barking made me aware of another threat.

  Prendick realizes he is being hunted by a dog.