The Body Snatcher by Robert Louis Stevenson is a suspenseful tale exploring themes of morality, the duality of human nature, consequences, power, and the pursuit of knowledge. The story revolves around Fettes, an educated yet morally conflicted man, and his manipulative classmate, Macfarlane. Through a framed narrative structure, an unnamed narrator recounts Fettes’ involvement in the illicit activities of grave robbing and the subsequent psychological toll it takes on him.
The Body Snatcher | Summary
The story commences with an unidentified narrator frequently spending evenings at the George in Debenham, where they engage in conversations with the landlord, the undertaker, and Fettes, a Scottish man with a mysterious past. When a renowned doctor named Macfarlane visits the inn, a heated altercation between Fettes and Macfarlane ensues, arousing the narrator’s curiosity.
Fettes eventually reveals his experiences as a medical student in Edinburgh. Employed under Mr. K—, an anatomy teacher, Fettes assists in handling the bodies for dissection, refraining from asking questions about their origins. However, one day, Fettes recognizes the body of a young woman he had seen alive recently, indicating foul play. Seeking guidance, Fettes confides in Macfarlane, his superior, who advises him to maintain silence to prevent trouble for themselves and Mr. K—.
The narrative takes an intriguing turn when Fettes witnesses Macfarlane in the company of an obnoxious individual named Gray. While Gray treats Macfarlane disrespectfully, he forms a connection with Fettes, divulging his dubious past. Subsequently, both Macfarlane and Gray vanish, leaving Fettes puzzled.
Days later, Fettes is surprised by a delivery, discovering Macfarlane at his doorstep. They transport the body to an upstairs room, where Fettes realizes it is Gray’s lifeless form. Macfarlane instructs Fettes to handle the payment discreetly and to record the transaction, emphasizing the importance of secrecy for their survival. Witnessing the disposal of evidence, Fettes gradually recovers from the emotional turmoil under Macfarlane’s prediction.
In need of additional bodies, Fettes and Macfarlane embark on a clandestine nighttime excursion to a distant rural graveyard. After concealing their tools, they stop at an inn for refreshments. Expressing gratitude, Macfarlane gifts Fettes gold coins, and they resume their journey. In the graveyard, they exhume a coffin, completing their task. However, an accident with a stone leads to their lantern breaking, enveloping them in darkness during their return.
During the journey, Fettes becomes increasingly disturbed by the shifting and expanding sack containing the corpse. Sensing an ominous presence, the men finally halt to illuminate a lantern, uncovering a horrifying sight. The body, previously believed to be a woman, appears grotesque and otherworldly. Overwhelmed by fear, Fettes and Macfarlane scream, leaping from the gig. The horse flees, carrying Gray’s body with it.
The Body Snatcher | Analysis
Robert Louis Stevenson crafts a chilling and morally complex tale that delves into the depths of the human psyche and explores themes of morality, duality, and the consequences of one’s choices.
The writer employs a framed narrative structure, with an unnamed narrator recounting the experiences of Fettes, the main character. This narrative framework allows for a heightened sense of mystery and suspense, as the events unfold through Fettes’ perspective. The story is divided into distinct sections, moving between the present setting at the George in Debenham and the past events in Edinburgh. Such switching between the past and present effectively builds tension and maintains reader engagement.
The characters play crucial roles in conveying the moral complexities of the story. Fettes, the protagonist, represents the conflict between one’s conscience and the allure of unethical actions. Through Fettes, the writer examines the internal turmoil faced by conflicted individuals who find themselves entangled in questionable practices. Dr. Wolfe Macfarlane serves as a symbol of moral corruption and the seductive power of manipulation. His character embodies the dark side of human nature, tempting Fettes and blurring the lines between right and wrong. The enigmatic figure of Gray introduces an element of mystery and serves as a catalyst for the story’s gripping climax. Each character, with their distinct traits and motivations, contributes to the thematic exploration of the narrative.
A somber and foreboding tone is observed from the beginning, by utilizing atmospheric descriptions and introspective language. The tone intensifies as the story progresses, mirroring the moral descent and psychological turmoil experienced by the characters. The skillful manipulation of tone evokes a sense of unease and suspense, captivating the reader.
The title “The Body-Snatchers” encapsulates the dark and morally ambiguous nature of the story, evoking a sense of intrigue and foreboding. It immediately draws attention to the clandestine activities undertaken by the characters and hints at the themes of morality, duality, and the consequences of their actions.
He employs precise and vivid descriptions to create a vivid sense of place, drawing readers into the shadowy streets of Edinburgh and the eerie atmosphere of the dissecting rooms. The use of medical jargon and terminology adds authenticity to the story, enhancing its realism and immersing the reader in the world of anatomy and body-snatching.
The story explores moral ambiguity and the consequences of immoral actions. Stevenson’s intent is to examine the darker aspects of human nature and to provoke thought and reflection on ethical dilemmas. Through the narrative, he raises questions about the limits of scientific pursuit, the corrupting influence of power, and the fragility of moral boundaries. The author highlights the conflict between the protagonist’s conscience and his desire for financial gain. The story serves as a cautionary tale, urging readers to confront their own moral compass and consider the implications of their choices.
The Body Snatcher | Themes
One of the central themes revolves around morality and ethics, as the writer delves into the ethical boundaries individuals are willing to transgress in their pursuit of knowledge or personal gain. The story raises pertinent questions about the moral implications of scientific advancement and the compromise of ethical principles for the sake of progress. The characters, particularly Fettes and Macfarlane, grapple with the ethical dilemma of engaging in grave-robbing and the dissection of bodies, blurring the line between right and wrong. Fettes’ recognition of the young woman’s body, revealing the violent nature of her death, raises ethical questions about the source of the bodies used for dissection.
The narrative skillfully explores the duality of human nature, shedding light on the conflicting forces within individuals. Fettes represents the internal struggle between conscience and participation in illicit activities, embodying the juxtaposition of light and darkness within the human psyche. Macfarlane serves as a symbol of the darker aspects of human nature, with his manipulative and amoral behavior contrasting with his professional façade. The story presents a nuanced examination of the coexistence of good and evil within individuals.
Another significant theme in the story is the exploration of consequences and guilt. Stevenson portrays the weight of guilt borne by the characters, particularly Fettes, as a result of their involvement in immoral acts. The revelation of the body’s true nature in the climax accentuates the characters‘ remorse and the inescapable consequences of their choices, highlighting the enduring burden of guilt and the accountability individuals face for their actions.
The characters also portray an interplay of power and corruption. Macfarlane’s manipulation of Fettes and his display of power over him underscore the corrupting influence of authority and the potential for individuals to succumb to temptation. The story also serves as a commentary on the allure of power and the moral compromises it engenders, revealing the fragility of ethical boundaries when confronted with personal gain. The pursuit of anatomical knowledge through grave-robbing symbolizes the human desire for understanding and progress. However, the story poses questions about the ethical boundaries of this pursuit and the potential moral transgressions inherent in the acquisition of knowledge.
The Body Snatcher | Title
The term “body-snatchers” carries historical and cultural connotations, referring to individuals who engage in the illegal procurement of corpses, often for medical purposes such as anatomical dissection. This title aligns with the 19th-century practice of body-snatching, which was prevalent due to the limited legal supply of cadavers for medical study. By choosing this title, Stevenson alludes to a broader societal context and historical backdrop, adding depth and realism to the narrative. Fettes and Macfarlane can be seen as metaphorical body-snatchers, not only stealing physical bodies for scientific study but also metaphorically trespassing ethical boundaries and manipulating power dynamics for personal gain.
The Body Snatcher | Character Sketch
Fettes the protagonist, is a complex individual who is a sub-assistant and student of medicine, possesses a level of education and knowledge. He is portrayed as a morally conscious and introspective individual, torn between his involvement in the unethical practices of body-snatching and his guilt-ridden conscience. Fettes symbolizes the struggle between right and wrong, the battle of one’s better judgment against external pressures.
Wolfe Macfarlane, a prominent London doctor, embodies a morally ambiguous character. On the surface, Macfarlane presents himself as an agreeable and skilled physician. However, as the story unfolds, his true nature is gradually revealed. Macfarlane is characterized by his manipulative behavior, controlling tendencies, and his willingness to engage in illicit activities for personal gain. He represents the darker aspects of human nature and serves as a catalyst for Fettes’ moral dilemma.
Gray, an offensive and vulgar acquaintance of Macfarlane, plays a significant role in the narrative, albeit briefly. He is characterized by his brash demeanor and his ability to exert control over Macfarlane. Gray’s presence serves as a foil to Fettes and Macfarlane, embodying the consequences of a corrupt and morally bankrupt existence. His shady past and the revelations surrounding his body add an element of mystery and contribute to the overall atmosphere of the story.
The unnamed narrator provides an outsider’s perspective and serves as a conduit for Fettes’ story. The narrator’s presence highlights the significance of storytelling and the passing down of moral lessons. Through the narrator’s interaction with Fettes, the reader gains insight into the events and their impact on Fettes’ psyche.
The Body Snatcher | Literary Devices
The writer employs foreshadowing to create suspense and anticipation, hinting at the dark events to come. Fettes’ recognition of the young woman’s body, which foreshadows the sinister nature of the dissection subjects, and the mysterious behavior of Gray, which hints at his connection to Macfarlane and the subsequent unfolding of the narrative’s conflicts.
The bodies used for dissection symbolize the moral and ethical boundaries that Fettes and Macfarlane cross, embodying the violation of innocence and the consequences of their actions. The sack containing the body of Gray represents the weight of guilt and the dark secrets that the characters carry, reflecting the psychological burden they bear.
The writer employs vivid and sensory imagery to create a vivid atmosphere and immerse readers in the story’s settings. The descriptions of the dissecting rooms, the dark graveyard, and the rain-soaked night contribute to a sense of foreboding and enhance the overall mood of tension and unease. Stevenson subtly incorporates allusions to medical and scientific practices, grounding the story in its historical and cultural context. References to anatomy lessons, grave-robbing, and medical terminology add authenticity and realism to the narrative, enhancing its verisimilitude.