Heart and Science

Summary

«Heart and Science» is a novel by Wilkie Collins that explores the clash between human emotions and cold scientific calculation. The main character, Dr. Nathaniel Strond, devoted to medicine, faces a moral dilemma: his research endangers the life of his beloved, Clara. The anatomist, obsessed with experiments, embodies soulless science, while the heroine represents the power of love and morality. The novel raises questions about ethics in science, the right to life, and the importance of compassion, contrasting scientific progress with the human heart.

Main Ideas

• Conflict between science and emotions: the book explores the contradiction between a rational scientific approach and the emotional aspects of human life.
• Ethics and morality in science: it examines how scientific research can impact moral and ethical norms, especially in the context of medical experiments.
• Women's independence and rights: through the characters and their interactions, the novel raises questions about the role of women in society and their quest for independence.
• Love and compassion: it explores how these feelings can stand against cold logic and scientific ambitions.
• Social critique: the book criticizes societal norms and prejudices, particularly regarding science and medicine.

Historical Context and Significance

Wilkie Collins' novel «Heart and Science» was published in 1883 and is one of the author's later works. In this piece, Collins explores the conflict between emotions and rationality, as reflected in the book's title. At the heart of the plot is the struggle between humane feelings and cold science, which was relevant during the Victorian era in England, when science and technology were rapidly advancing, sparking public debates about the moral and ethical aspects of progress. Collins, known for his social commentary, raises questions about the role of science in society and its impact on human relationships. Although «Heart and Science» did not achieve the same popularity as Collins' earlier works like «The Woman in White» or «The Moonstone», it remains an important work for studying Victorian literature and its response to scientific advancements of the time. The novel is also considered part of the animal rights movement, as it addresses the topic of vivisection, adding additional cultural significance.

Style and Technique

Wilkie Collins' novel «Heart and Science» is characterized by the author's distinctive style, combining elements of social critique and detective storytelling. Collins uses clear and expressive language to explore themes of morality and ethics in science and medicine. The book features numerous dialogues that help develop characters and advance the plot. The author actively employs literary devices such as irony and symbolism to highlight the conflict between heart and mind. The narrative structure is built around a central conflict that unfolds through character interactions, allowing Collins to delve deeper into human motives and moral dilemmas. The composition of the novel is carefully crafted, with a gradual build-up of tension that keeps the reader engaged until the very end.

Interesting Facts

• The book «Heart and Science» was written during a period when Wilkie Collins was actively advocating for animal rights, which is reflected in the plot that raises questions about ethics in scientific research.
• The novel's main heroine, Carola, faces a moral dilemma when she learns about cruel experiments on animals, reflecting Collins' personal beliefs against vivisection.
• The novel was written in response to growing debates about vivisection in Victorian England and became part of the public movement against animal cruelty.
• Collins used the novel to express his views on the importance of empathy and compassion, contrasting them with the cold rationality of science.
• «Heart and Science» is considered one of the first works to openly discuss the topic of vivisection and the ethical boundaries of science in fiction.

Book Review

Wilkie Collins' «Heart and Science» is a novel that explores the conflict between emotions and rationality, a theme that was relevant during the Victorian era. Collins, known for his detective and social novels, addresses questions of ethics and morality in science in this book. The main heroine, Ovidia, faces a dilemma where her feelings contradict scientific principles, prompting the reader to ponder the limits of human empathy and cold logic. Critics note that Collins masterfully combines elements of social critique with a gripping plot, although some believe the novel falls short compared to his more famous works like «The Woman in White». Nonetheless, «Heart and Science» deserves attention for its bold attempt to raise important questions that remain relevant today.