The Literary Evolution: Charles Darwin's Influence on Science and English Literature

"It is no secret that...there are many to whom Mr. Darwin's death is a wholly irreparable loss. And this not merely because of his wonderfully genial, simple, and generous nature; his cheerful and animated conversation, and the infinite variety and accuracy of his information; but because the more one knew of him, the more he seemed the incorporated ideal of a man of science."

T. H. Huxley (1825 - 1895)
British biologist.
Referring to Charles Darwin.
Nature

Darwin's Literary Legacy: Revolutionizing Science and English Literature

Darwin's Literary Legacy: Revolutionizing Science and English Literature

Charles Darwin, an English naturalist and biologist, revolutionized the field of science with his theory of evolution through natural selection. His seminal work, "On the Origin of Species," published in 1859, presented a comprehensive account of his revolutionary ideas. Darwin's writings not only presented scientific arguments but also demonstrated a profound understanding of language and literature, making them a unique blend of scientific rigor and literary craftsmanship. As Albert says, "The nineteenth century beheld the exposition of scientific themes raised to the level of a literary art", and one prominent figure in this regard was Charles Robert Darwin (1809-1882). 

Charles Darwin: A Voyage of Transformation and Evolutionary Legacy

In 1831, Charles Darwin embarked on a transformative journey as a naturalist aboard The Beagle, a man-of-war on a scientific expedition that spanned the globe. This fortuitous opportunity played a pivotal role in shaping his future as a scientist. The subsequent years of his life were characterized by dedicated and meticulous pursuits in the field of biology and related disciplines.

Charles Darwin
at his younger age

Among Darwin's notable works, The Voyage of the Beagle (1839) stands as a treasure trove of precise and captivating information. This book chronicles his firsthand experiences and observations during the voyage, providing a wealth of valuable insights. Another seminal work by Darwin is On the Origin of Species (1859), which holds a place of paramount importance in modern science, much like The Wealth of Nations does in economics. It serves as the cornerstone of belief in the field of evolutionary biology. Additionally, The Descent of Man (1871) is another notable contribution to Darwin's body of work.

Exploring the Literary Allure of Darwin and Huxley: A Fusion of Science, Literature, and Intellectual Brilliance

While we won't indulge here into the intricacies of Darwin's theories of evolution, it is worth noting that his books possess an enduring allure as works of general literature. They captivate readers with a vibrant interest, owing to the abundance of meticulously gathered evidence and Darwin's masterful abilities in exposition and argumentation. Even when approached from a non-scientific standpoint, these works remain compelling pieces of literature that showcase Darwin's formidable intellect and the breadth of his scholarly achievements. However, we can not miss Huxley in this regard. Thomas Henry Huxley (1825 - 1895), known as "Darwin's Bulldog," fiercely defended Darwin's theories with wit and eloquence, leaving a lasting impact on science and society. Replying to Bishop Samuel Wilberforce in the debate on Darwin's theory of evolution at the meeting of the British Association at Oxford, June 30, 1860. T. H. Huxley says, "A man has no reason to be ashamed of having an ape for his grandfather. If there were an ancestor whom I should feel shame in recalling it would rather be a man—a man of restless and versatile intellect—who…plunges into scientific questions with which he has no real acquaintance, only to obscure them by an aimless rhetoric, and distract the attention of his hearers from the real point at issue by eloquent digressions and skilled appeals to religious prejudice."

Charles Darwin

In his works, Darwin artfully combined scientific observations, empirical evidence, and logical reasoning to convey his ideas effectively to a wide readership. He employed narrative techniques, vivid descriptions, and engaging storytelling to communicate complex scientific concepts in an accessible manner. Darwin's use of language and his ability to convey intricate scientific ideas with literary flair distinguished his works from typical scientific publications of his time.

Moreover, Darwin's works challenged prevailing religious and philosophical beliefs, igniting intense debates and controversies. Despite facing opposition, Darwin's eloquent articulation of his ideas and his meticulous documentation of evidence secured his place as one of the most influential scientists in history. Darwin in his reply to those who maintained that human conscience was implanted by God at the Creation, says, "Any animal whatever, endowed with well-marked social instincts, the parental and filial affections being here included, would inevitably acquire a moral sense or conscience, as soon as its intellectual powers had become as well, or nearly as well developed, as in man." (The Descent of Man)

Evolving Perspectives: Darwin's Impact on English Literature and Beyond

Darwin's ideas had a profound and far-reaching influence on English literature, shaping the way writers approached and depicted the natural world, human nature, and the concept of progress. His revolutionary theory of evolution challenged traditional beliefs and provided writers with new perspectives and themes to explore. In fact, as Irvine suggested in The Influence of Darwin on Literature, a half century full intellect, reasoning, non romantic mystic observations  gave birth to a 'naturalist of minds'. 

One notable impact of Darwin's ideas can be seen in the representation of nature in English literature. Prior to Darwin, nature was often romanticized and depicted as harmonious and perfect. However, Darwin's theory of natural selection emphasized the struggle for existence and the idea of adaptation to changing environments. This shift in understanding influenced writers to portray nature as dynamic, competitive, and unpredictable. They began exploring themes of survival, competition, and the interconnectedness of all living beings, reflecting Darwin's ideas in their literary works. Darwin's impact extended beyond the scientific realm; his works had a profound influence on literature, philosophy, and social sciences. They inspired subsequent generations of writers, thinkers, and scientists, who built upon his ideas and expanded our understanding of the natural world.

Furthermore, Darwin's theory of evolution raised questions about human nature and the origins of morality. As Darwin asserted, "I have called this principle, by which each slight variation, if useful, is preserved, by the term Natural Selection, in order to mark its relation to man's power of selection. But the expression often used by Mr. Herbert Spencer of the Survival of the Fittest is more accurate, and is sometimes equally convenient."(On the Origin of Species), writers delved into these inquiries, exploring the implications of Darwin's theories on human behavior, ethics, and the human condition. The exploration of these themes can be observed in works such as Thomas Hardy's novels, where characters grapple with questions of fate, chance, and the impact of their surroundings on their lives. His Reddleman is natural selection, but Eustasia is overthrown.

Darwin's Literary Impact: Shaping Content, Style, and Notions of Progress in English Literature

Darwin's writing style was characterized by its clarity, precision, and meticulous attention to detail. He skillfully wove together evidence from various disciplines, such as biology, geology, and paleontology, to support his theory of evolution. Darwin's ability to synthesize vast amounts of scientific information and present them in a coherent and compelling narrative elevated his writings to the level of a literary art form. Here we quote initial para of the great book: 

"I WILL here give a brief sketch of the progress of opinion on the Origin of Species. Until recently the great majority of naturalists believed that species were immutable productions, and had been separately created. This view has been ably maintained by many authors. Some few naturalists, on the other hand, have believed that species undergo modification, and that the existing forms of life are the descendants by true generation of pre-existing forms. Passing over allusions to the subject in the classical writers, the first author who in modern times has treated it in a scientific spirit was Buffon. But as his opinions fluctuated greatly at different periods, and as he does not enter on the causes or means of the transformation of species, I need not here enter on details."

In addition to influencing the content of literature, Darwin's ideas also impacted the style and narrative techniques employed by writers. His emphasis on empirical evidence and scientific observation encouraged authors to adopt a more realistic and detail-oriented approach. Writers began incorporating vivid descriptions, precise observations, and an attention to natural detail, as seen in the works of authors like George Eliot and Charles Dickens. 

Darwin's theories also influenced the concept of progress in English literature. The idea of gradual change and development over time, central to evolutionary theory, challenged traditional notions of fixed hierarchies and linear progress. This led to a more nuanced exploration of social, intellectual, and moral progress in literary works. Writers like H.G. Wells, for example, incorporated Darwinian ideas into their science fiction novels, imagining future societies shaped by evolutionary principles. "The Time Machine" is a glaring example of this.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Charles Robert Darwin's writings exemplify the exposition of scientific themes raised to the level of a literary art in the nineteenth century. His ability to blend scientific rigor with literary craftsmanship, and his profound impact on multiple disciplines, cemented his status as a towering figure in both the scientific and literary realms.  Darwin's ideas revolutionized the way English literature approached nature, human nature, and the concept of progress. His theories provided a rich source of inspiration for writers, prompting them to explore new themes, adopt new narrative techniques, and challenge conventional beliefs. Darwin's influence on English literature continues to resonate, shaping the way we perceive and interpret the natural world and our place within it.

Ardhendu De

References

1. The origin of species : Darwin, Charles, 1809-1882 : Free Download, Borrow, and Streaming : Internet Archive. (n.d.). Internet Archive. https://archive.org/details/originofspecies00darwuoft

2. ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.

3. Irvine, W. (1959). The Influence of Darwin on Literature. Proceedings of the American Philosophical Society, 103(5), 616–628. http://www.jstor.org/stable/985420