The Island of Dr. Moreau Primitivity Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

"You've made a beast of yourself,—to the beasts you may go." (19.16)

We're not saying that alcohol makes people act primitively—though it certainly doesn't seem to do the opposite either. However, here, Prendick tells Montgomery that the booze has brought to the surface his primitive nature.

Quote #8

A sudden convulsion of rage shook me. I was almost moved to batter his foolish head in, as he lay there helpless at my feet. Then suddenly his hand moved, so feebly, so pitifully, that my wrath vanished. (19.38)

Initially, Prendick feels a savage rage toward Montgomery and for good reason. The man broke his boat. But in this case, sympathy acts as the antidote to primitivity's poison.

Quote #9

The change was slow and inevitable. For them and for me it came without any definite shock. (21.40)

The Law is no more, and Prendick's ability to punish those who break it has vanished. On any other tropical island, that would mean party time. Here it means bye-bye civilization and hello chaos.