Paradise Lost

Moreau's Creations Moreau's Monstrous Creations Moreau vividly describes the monsters in Paradise Lost. Although at times difficult to decipher with the heavy use of prose, the descriptions for the discerning reader render images that are both disturbing and realistic in the terminology used. Many describe the creatures as human animals because of Moreau's intent to transform the islands animals into humans because of his regard for humanity.

The question that seems to be at the juxtaposition of the entire Paradise Lost story is what really separates man from beast and is there a real separation? The surgical modifications that are made to the animals through vivisection to make them more like humans creates ugly and disfigured half beast half humans.

The lack of care, understanding and empathy for the animals that are butchered at the hands of Moreau bespeaks his singular focus in resolving his own internal questions at the expense of the creatures that are around him. One of the most intriguing characters is Lota, who is half woman and half panther. The slant of her eyes, the unnatural curves created by the combination of human and animal, the hair that covers her body so unnaturally makes her both intriguing and gruesome at the same time.

Many of the characters are described as having pointed ears, barrel chests, disfigured from their natural form, walking on all fours but still retaining much of their human like qualities. The notion is both intriguing and disturbing. Moreau makes the parallel between heaven and hell, suggesting that the beastly creations emanate from Hell or even fell from heaven. The monsters occupy both the land and water, and are horrific characterizations of what is normally seen as either land or water based animals.

The greatest monstrosities however, are the depiction of Satan and the power that he is given in Moreau's writings. Satan's fall from grace and the power of observing the universe to determine its demise is laid out in very descriptive detail. Interestingly enough, God or the omnipotent one is not described in such glorifying detail as the attributes that are described of Satan. Man's disobedience to God because of the temptation by the serpent is the primary focus of the writing.

The serpent not only represents a physical monster but a spiritual and emotional monster in the level of influence and power he has with Eve in particular. Some may consider this to be a cautionary tale of how scientific advancements can be counterproductive to God's creations and man, singularly focused, can disfigure what was made perfect in the beginning. However, the overriding message of good vs. evil, heaven vs. hell, Satan vs. God is made clear throughout the writing. The manimals created in Paradise Lost may have many representations.

The part human part animal can be seen as a physical abnormality as well as a mental and emotional one that plays up the lack of real difference between the two the author sought. What is disturbing is the characteristics of the animals in their natural state.