PrashantShrimali HST220 MidTerm

PRASHANT SHRIMALI AU2020153
HST 220
Science, Technology, and the Making of the Modern World
Mid Term Assignment
"The Ecstasy of Alfred Russel Wallace" by Daniel Mason
Daniel mason’s story based on the historical figure Alfred Russel Wallace, a prominent
naturalist, explorer and one of the evolutionary thinker of the Nineteenth Century, dives deep
into the aspects of scientific discovery of theory of evolution through fiction. The plot of the
story of Wallace appears to be split into two parts. In the initial part one can notice, Wallace’s
late sixties where he is simply reflecting on his life and achievements, and in the latter one, his
early days in Southeast Asia working as bug collector, and is struggling for survival. In the
beginning of the story, one notices an explanation of the scenario where Wallace is sitting at his
desk in Ternate, a remote Island in the Malay Archipelago and he is writing a letter to a
renowned naturalist and scientist of his time, Charles Darwin. In that letter Wallece outlines the
the theory of natural selection which he has developed independent of Darwin.
This event was an important historical event in the field of science because both wallace and
Darwin arrived at the same theory which they published in 1858. The theory of natural selection
still stands as one the most important scientific theories that ever got developed and had
profound impact on the natural world. Moving on, when story revolves around his journey as a
explorer, one can notice that, Wallace explores varieties of species from different islands where
he examines different phenomena which causes differences between the similar species, to which
he termed as the Adaptation of species to their environment. He also got realized that new
species arises from the pre-existing ones over time. Similarly, he also developed other
observations over times related to the natural world. These were the observations that he made
for which he sent letter to the Darwin, which we saw in the beginning of the piece.
Some of the themes that one can discover through this story is, one the relationship between
Wallace and Darwin. Both these scientists were prominent naturalists of their time, but had
different personalities and backgrounds. Wallace was from a poor family, [as we saw in the
beggining of the story] and because of his father’s debt he left schooling at an early age, but
became the independent explorer and naturalist, whereas Darwin was affluent, and well
educated. Despite having differences, their collaborative work published in 1858 still stands one
of the important scientific discovery in the history of science.
The other theme worth noticing is that of the impact of scientific discovery on society. As one
knows, with the development of the scientific community, many previously held beliefs and
myths got challenged through scientific temperament, similarly the theory of evolution was a
rebellious idea that challenged the previous held traditional religious ideas and beliefs and social
hierarchies. Even in the Mason’s story one can notice that Wallace was a religious person but
how wallace’s own understanding of natural world was transformed by his scientific discoveries.
Relevant Historical Themes-
Relationship b/w Science and Faith- As we saw in the above section how, Wallace being the
explorer and scientist was also deeply a religious person. In the story, he struggles to make a
balance between faith and science. This tension between science and religious faith is quite
visible throughout the history, one can also notice the notion of racial purity and scientific
inquiry into this matter.
The nature of discovery- The story reveals, how often scientific discoveries are the process that
involves reason, and corrections and exchange of ideas that leads to new discoveries. For
example, Wallace and Darwin in the story both arrives at the same conclusion regarding the
theory of evolution, this was an classic example of how exchange of ideas and meditation upon
reasoning helps us in discovering the unknown or complexities of the world.
Advantages of exploring topic through fiction-
As i have read this piece by Daniel Mason, my viewpoint says that, exploring topics such as the
theory of evolution through fictions first, allows us to see the world through the lenses of
historical figure, which furthermore allows reader to get a comprehensive understanding of how
the motivations and challenges the characters or historical figures faced. Daniel Mason’s story
perfectly presents the inner turmoil of Wallace as he awaits the letter from Darwin.
Second, fiction helps readers to comprehend the complex events of history easily, it provides the
readers accessibility than non-fiction. One can notice how complex events in the life of Wallece
were thoughtfully projected throughout the story, this in both ways was engaging and thought
provoking.
Finally, fiction allows readers to create new and critical perspectives on historical events and
figures. Hence, by fictionalizing this amazing historical event, Daniel Mason, left reders such as
me astonished. And through this fictionalization, Mason offered a unique perspective on this
important historical event in the history of science.
Disadvantages of exploring topic through fictions-
Though, overall Mason did good work in presenting the historical event through fiction, one
potential disadvantage this fictionalization carries is that, one should remember that though it
discusses the historical event, it is important to note that some events or characters might be
fictionalized and not real in themselves. One must distinguish between fact and fiction.
Another problem i encounter while reading this is that it can be difficult to avoid bais. In this
story, the reader can notice that, Mason seems to be sympathetic to the life and discoveries of
Wallace. It looks like Mason might have personal bias as writer.
Conclusion-
In the end, Overall the work ‘The Ecstasy of Alfred Russel Wallace’ by Daniel Mason was
impressive and creative. He effortlessly presents the complex historical events in the field of
science by making it engaging and thought provoking through fiction. It offers readers such as
us, the unique perspectives on the important events of history. Additionally, fiction allowed
readers to comprehend more easily that might not be posible in the case of non-fiction work.
Works Cited
Daniel Mason, 'The Ecstasy of Alfred Russel Wallace', in Daniel Mason, A registry of my
passage upon the earth (London: Picador, 2021), pp. 39-55.

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PRASHANT SHRIMALI AU2020153

"The Ecstasy of Alfred Russel Wallace" by Daniel Mason

the theory of natural selection which he has developed independent of Darwin.

of the important scientific discovery in the history of science.

Relevant Historical Themes-

inquiry into this matter.

reasoning helps us in discovering the unknown or complexities of the world.

Advantages of exploring topic through fiction-

important historical event in the history of science.

Disadvantages of exploring topic through fictions-

Wallace. It looks like Mason might have personal bias as writer.

passage upon the earth (London: Picador, 2021), pp. 39-55.

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