Özet:

Influenced by Darwin's theory of evolution, Wells believes that no species can have absolute superiority since each species has its own weaknesses. Thus, Wells criticizes the English who claim superiority over other nations due to their scientific, technological, and intellectual achievements. The writer questions the English sense of superiority in The War of the Worlds (1897), which depicts the invasion of England by the Martians. Confronted by the Martians who are far superior in terms of science, technology, and intellect the English are reduced to primitive creatures that are devoid of sense, logic and prudence.  Accordingly, Wells argues that although the English have proven their power through colonial and scientific enterprises, they still have latent, undeveloped sides. Moreover, heins that the confrontation of the English with a superior civilization has destroyed their self-confidence and revealed the fact that they might be losers in the struggle for existence if they are not adapted to new conditions. However, he adds that not only the English but also the Martians have weak sides as they are exposed to the impacts of natural selection like their terrestrial opponents. Although the Martians dominate the English through their technological power, they are biologically weaker in that they are destroyed by earthly bacteria to which human beings are immune. The present study claims that Wells questions racial superiority in The War of the Worlds through referring to Darwin's theory of evolution and its impacts on Western racism.

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