Character Analysis: The Man Who Evolved

In the short story “The Man Who Evolved” written by Edmond Hamilton, a mad scientist Pollard evolves to human forms under concentrated cosmic rays. The passage is centrally important to the story, as it hints the potential horror scientists may endure if they do not follow scientific procedures responsibly. In the passage, Hamilton compares the results of the scientific research. Through this comparison, he communicates the overarching idea that even though scientific research on evolution may bring some beneficial effect to human beings, its ultimate result should be carefully considered, as in the story the research creates a mind twisted monster that wants to own the entire world.

Scientific research on evolution may bring beneficial effects, such as intellectual prowess in the story. Pollard is able to create a "yellow sheen of pure gold... in a moment, apparently, by a mixture of common compounds". Moreover, he "can destroy all life on this earth from this room... construct a telescope that will allow [him] to look on the planets of the

farthest galaxies...send [his] mind forth to make contact with other minds without the slightest material connection." All these wonderful feats are not possible with the current human capacities. Furthermore, these descriptions validate Pollard’s credibility as the most powerful man right now, giving support to his wild claim that he will own the entire world.
Even though scientific research brought in valuable effects to people, it also turns Pollard into a monster, as described by Hamilton in Pollard’s physical appearance.

Pollard is depicted as something “grotesque”, which is an adjective that is used to describe something ugly and twisted. As he is dehumanizing Pollard by describing him as something grotesque, Hamilton is inviting horror in reader’s imagination of Pollard. These description of Pollard gives readers a sense of disgust and terror, as he is turned into a creature that has less semblance with his original forms. Furthermore, Hamilton uses specific wording to create an ominous tone, creating a feeling of risk in scientific research. He utilizes words including “destroy”, “own”, “rule”, grotesque”, and “perish” to infuse fear in his readers, as the words suggest the idea of destruction, enslavement, and ugliness, elements that people try to avoid in this

world.
At last, the scientific research twisted Pollard’s mind, turning him from a scientist who wanted to benefit the humanity to a creature that wants to own it instead. He argues to his two friends, “I will not rule them, I will own them and this planet as you might own a farm and animals.” He becomes a dictator who denying his humanity and wants to deprive people of their freedom. This horrible image of enslavement warns its readers, scientific researchers, the importance of carefully considering possible outcomes of scientific researches on evolution. Scientists are dwelling into the world that is still unknown to the current society, so before they make any important decisions, such as evolving themselves into different human beings, they should consider all the risks and consequences. This passage is a warning sign that cautions its readers to be responsible for their choices. It also acts as a window that shows an extreme example of how a careless action can go wrong.
Through the depiction of the transformation of Pollard, Hamilton shows the possible effects of a scientific research. Through this, he communicates the importance of considering outcomes before conducting researches on evolution. Scientific advancement may create bliss and accelerate the development. However, they may also create mind twisted monsters. After all, it may be best if we left the topic of evolution to go natural.