There are stories in world literature about the consequences of irresponsible experiments by scientists. For example, the novel “Ariel” (Belyaev) published in 1941. The summary of the work below will allow you to decide whether to read the whole novel. Let's say right away: the topic raised by the writer is relevant today.
"Ariel" (Belyaev): summary. The beginning of the story
The first chapter of the novel is entitled "In the circles of hell." And rightly so! It is about how life is built in the so-called Dandarat school, the official purpose of which is to teach children theosophy and the occult sciences. In fact, everything is completely different: they perform inhuman experiments on children (using hypnosis, intimidation, and other “educational methods”). Friendship is a grave misconduct!
The protagonist of the work is a young man of eighteen, Ariel. He got into this institution by the will of his guardians, who decided that Aurelius Galton (the real name of the young man) was completely useless for the enormous fortune left by his dead parents. Therefore, the result of training in Dandarat should have been the complete inadequacy of the young man and the recognition of his incompetence. But everything turned out differently.
"Ariel" (Belyaev): summary. Unexpected result of Hyde and Fox experiments
In addition to hypnotists and fakirs, serious scientists who worked to create a flying man served in Dundarat. The result of the experiments of doctors Fox and Hyde, it was decided to test on Ariel. Of course, in the novel "Ariel" Belyaev (a brief summary allows us to understand this) stigmatizes such scientists. Indeed, all of them, in fact, are indifferent to how this experiment will end for the mental and physical health of the young man. It is even better for them if Aurelius is damaged in the mind. But the experience is surprisingly successful! The guy gets the opportunity to freely rise into the air, while maintaining complete clarity of mind.
Alexander Belyaev “Ariel” (short summary): the adventures of Aurelius outside Dandarat
The leaders of the terrible school, as it turned out, miscalculated, giving Ariel the ability to fly. He immediately leaves Dandarat, taking with him the boy Charad, to whom he was imbued with sympathy.
Charad and Ariel end up in Bengal. Here they receive shelter in the house of the poor peasant Nizmat and his granddaughter, the young widow of Lolita.
By the will of fate, Ariel has to become entertainment for the Raja, a partner of the pastor (he takes off, demonstrating what the true faith is supposedly capable of).
All this time, Aurelius is looking for his older sister, smart, rebellious and practical Jane Galton. Her search becomes almost successful when she accidentally encounters her brother, but he flies away, plunging the girl in shock.
Then Ariel is used for their own benefit Chathfield and Grigg - enterprising Americans who work in the circus industry. With their submission, Aurelius participates in sports, which, of course, wins. Now he is an invincible athlete by the name of Bina.
After a while, Ariel still finds Jane, who manages to persuade him to return to the UK. But brother and sister do not have true community, they are, in fact, strangers. Another circumstance that allows Ariel to understand that he is a stranger in this world of businessmen is the attempt of bandits to use him in kidnapping a child.
The last straw is the evening when Aurelius appears before secular society. The derogatory remarks of one of the guests addressed to the inhabitants of India incite the young man from himself. This is followed by another quarrel with a sister who does not understand the humanity of Aurelius and his neglect of prejudice. Ariel collects his things and leaves for Madras. There, next to Charad, Lolita and Nizmat, he wants to live his life!
Alexander Belyaev "Ariel": a summary. P.S
It is clear that the above retelling of the plot does not reflect the entire complexity of the work. In such a brief description, it is simply impossible to touch on all the social aspects indicated in the novel.