The Puma Character Analysis in The Island of Dr. Moreau

The Puma is the only character in the story who is depicted undergoing the transformation from animal to Beast Folk. For most of the story, only the Puma’s screams are heard as it undergoes vivisection. Even so, Prendick can sense those screams becoming more and more human as the process goes on over several days, initially leading him to believe that Moreau is vivisecting human beings. Ultimately, the Puma breaks free from Moreau’s laboratory and kills Moreau, leading to the collapse of the Beast Folk’s society.

The Puma Character Timeline in The Island of Dr. Moreau

The timeline below shows where the character The Puma appears in The Island of Dr. Moreau. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Religious Authority and Order Theme Icon

...deck, Prendick observes that there are numerous caged animals on the ship: stag hounds, a Puma, several hutches of rabbits, even a llama. Prendick asks Montgomery what they are all for,... (full context)

Scientific Knowledge and Ethics Theme Icon

As they are speaking, the Puma can be heard howling from the enclosure, and Prendick surmises that it is being vivisected.... (full context)

Morality, Survival, and Circumstance Theme Icon

...the sand, Prendick runs for the house and the safety of his room. Even the Puma’s cries seem a relief from what he has just experienced. As he nears the building,... (full context)

...neglects to lock the door leading to the interior of the enclosure from which the Puma’s screams emanate. The screaming itself has changed, sounding much more human than it had before,... (full context)

One morning, Prendick is standing near the enclosure smoking a cigarette when the Puma breaks free of its restraints, barreling into Prendick before tearing off down the beach, followed... (full context)

They find Moreau’s body next to the Puma’s. It appears that they have killed each other in a violent struggle. With the help... (full context)