Why did Professor Preobrazhensky decide to return Sharik the pituitary gland of a dog? - briefly
Professor Preobrazhensky, a brilliant scientist in Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "Heart of a Dog," decided to return Sharik the pituitary gland of a dog due to the unexpected and alarming transformations Sharik underwent after the initial surgery. These transformations included the development of human-like traits and behaviors, which raised ethical and moral concerns for the professor.
Why did Professor Preobrazhensky decide to return Sharik the pituitary gland of a dog? - in detail
Professor Preobrazhensky, a renowned scientist in Mikhail Bulgakov's novel "Heart of a Dog," undertakes a series of experimental surgeries that ultimately lead to the transformation of a stray dog, Sharik, into a human-like being. The decision to return Sharik's pituitary gland to its original state is a pivotal moment in the narrative, driven by a combination of ethical, scientific, and personal motivations.
Preobrazhensky's initial experiment involves transplanting the pituitary gland and other organs from a recently deceased man, Klim Chugunkin, into Sharik. The pituitary gland is crucial for regulating various physiological processes, including growth and metabolism. By transplanting it, Preobrazhensky aims to explore the boundaries of human and animal physiology, seeking to understand the potential for transforming an animal into a human-like creature. This experiment is part of Preobrazhensky's broader scientific inquiry into the nature of humanity and the possibilities of biological engineering.
However, as the story progresses, the consequences of Preobrazhensky's experiment become increasingly apparent. Sharik, now transformed into a human-like being named Poligraf Poligrafovich Sharikov, exhibits a range of undesirable traits. Sharikov's behavior is marked by aggression, lack of moral compass, and a general disregard for societal norms. These characteristics highlight the ethical dilemmas associated with Preobrazhensky's experiment. The scientist begins to grapple with the moral implications of his actions, recognizing that the creation of Sharikov has led to the emergence of a being that is neither fully human nor fully animal, but a troubling hybrid.
Preobrazhensky's decision to reverse the transformation is influenced by several factors. Firstly, the ethical considerations weigh heavily on him. The creation of Sharikov raises profound questions about the responsibilities of scientists and the potential misuse of scientific knowledge. Preobrazhensky realizes that his experiment has not only failed to achieve its intended scientific goals but has also resulted in the creation of a being that poses a threat to society.
Secondly, Preobrazhensky's personal motivations come into play. As a scientist, he is driven by a desire for knowledge and understanding, but he also has a sense of responsibility towards the beings he creates. The transformation of Sharik into Sharikov has led to a series of unfortunate events, including the death of a colleague and the disruption of Preobrazhensky's own life. These personal experiences serve as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation.
Additionally, the societal implications of Preobrazhensky's experiment cannot be ignored. The emergence of Sharikov challenges the existing social order and raises questions about the boundaries of humanity. Preobrazhensky recognizes that the existence of such a being could have far-reaching consequences, potentially leading to a breakdown of social norms and the erosion of moral values.
In light of these considerations, Preobrazhensky decides to reverse the transformation by returning Sharik's pituitary gland to its original state. This decision is not merely a scientific correction but a moral and ethical imperative. By doing so, Preobrazhensky acknowledges the limitations of his experiment and the need for ethical considerations in scientific research. The reversal of the transformation serves as a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation and the importance of ethical guidelines in the pursuit of knowledge.
In conclusion, Preobrazhensky's decision to return Sharik's pituitary gland is driven by a complex interplay of ethical, scientific, and personal factors. The experiment highlights the ethical dilemmas associated with biological engineering and the need for responsible scientific inquiry. Preobrazhensky's actions underscore the importance of considering the broader implications of scientific research and the potential consequences of creating beings that challenge the boundaries of humanity.