WILKIE COLLINS' NOVEL «THE MOONSTONE»: THE TOPIC OF BIOLOGICAL EXPERIENCE

Abstract

The article is devoted to the analysis of the novel «Moonstone» by Wilkie Collins with an emphasis on the little-studied topic of biological experiment in the context of Victorian literature. The authors, relying on historical, literary and naturalistic approaches, explore how the influence of laudanum becomes a key element in the development of detective intrigue. The influence of social and biological factors on the behavior of the characters is discussed, which reflects the interests of the era in medicine, heredity and psychology. The article also examines Indian motifs and the theme of colonialism, which play a significant role in the plot structure of the novel, as well as polyphonic narration as a unique artistic technique that ensures the layering of the text. The work highlights the importance of «Moonstone» as a work that goes beyond the detective genre and touches on deep social and cultural issues.