On Ethics In H.G. Wells’s Early Science Fiction

Herbert George Wells(1866-1946)is a famous British writer who created more than 100 novels in his whole life.His science fiction has a far-reaching influence,so he is known as the “father of science fiction”,“Shakespeare of science fiction” and “Jules Verne of England”.The literary character of “scientist” plays a key role in science fiction stories,because scientist’s good and evil will often dominant the development direction of the plot.Scientists in western science fiction stories are chiefly portrayed in negative images,such as alchemists,power-seeking,or maniac scientists,and also a few in positive images as heroes.The negative scientists in literature are the abusers of science and technology,who usually reflect writer’s reflection on the infinite development of science and technology in society.In the light of Ethical Literary Criticism and western ethical criticism,this thesis takes the character of “negative scientist” in Wells’ s early science fiction as the research object,to reveal the ethical connotation of the negative scientists and to find the realistic concern in Wells’ s creating process.This thesis consists of six chapters.The first chapter is introduction,which basically explains the research background,previous studies,paper framework,research methods and significance.The second chapter introduces the Literary Ethical Criticism and western ethical criticism.The third chapter firstly sorts out the negative scientists in Wells’ s early science fiction stories,including the evil alchemist Nebogipfel,bigoted positivist Crump,mysterious genetic modifier Moreau and power chaser Griffin.Secondly,in the light of the overall moral background of Wells’ s time,this part reflects on the typical moral facts provided by the negative scientists.The fourth chapter dissects different ethical choices made by the four negative scientists in the complex ethical relations with themselves,others and society,as well as in the specific historical environment,analyzes different motivations and processes of their ethical choices.Together,these paranoid choices by negative scientists lead to a tragic ending,and they fail to become moral people.The fifth chapter reveals the ethical warnings that negative scientists’ wrong choices bring society.On the one hand,scientists’ research findings can promote social progress and improve human living standards.On the other hand,there also will be serious problems such as the moral decay of scientists,which will make the whole society become dystopia.This urges scientists to deal with the relationship between science and human,science and society correctly.The sixth chapter draws the relevant conclusions.In conclusion,Wells’ s early science fiction stories,which depict the immoral behaviors of negative scientists,reflect his anxiety about the highly technologically advanced industrial society.This research is not only conducive to promoting the textual practice of Ethical Literary Criticism and providing a new perspective for the study of Wells’ s science fiction,but also of great significance to shape the moral character of contemporary scientists.It is also of practical significance to our country and conducive to calling for the arrival of scientists who meet the ethical needs of the new era.