In "The Island of Doctor Moreau," the protagonist experiences a profound psychological change, descending into a state of deep melancholy that affects his perception of reality. This transformation is marked by a sense of hopelessness and a detachment from fear, leading to lasting impressions on his psyche. The character's troubled state reflects the novel's exploration of madness and the unnatural, suggesting that extreme experiences can fundamentally alter one's worldview.

The protagonist grapples with the stark absurdities and horrors he witnesses on the island, which shatter his belief in humanity's rationality. The suffering and chaos surrounding him symbolize a breakdown of moral and social order, prompting him to question the sanity of the world at large. In this setting, Wells critiques the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked scientific experimentation, as the character's journey illustrates the fragility of sanity amid madness.