The novel "Ariel" (Belyaev): a summary

In the world literature there are stories about what lead to irresponsible experiments of scientists. For example, published in 1941, the novel "Ariel" (Belyaev). The brief content of the work below will allow you to decide whether to read the novel entirely. Let's say right away: the topic raised by the writer is relevant today.

"Ariel" (Belyaev): a summary. The beginning of history

The first chapter of the novel is entitled "In the Circles of Hell". And quite rightly! It is about how life is built in the so-called Dandarath School, whose official purpose is to teach the children of Theosophy and the occult sciences. In fact, everything is quite different: children are subjected to inhuman experiments (using hypnosis, intimidation and other "methods of education"). Friendship here is a serious misconduct!

The protagonist of the work is a young man of eighteen years, Ariel. He came to this institution at the behest of his guardians, who decided that Aurelius Galton (the real name of the young man) absolutely did not need a huge fortune left to him by his dead parents. Therefore, the result of training in Dandarate was to become a complete inadequacy of the young man and his recognition as incompetent. But everything turned out differently.

"Ariel" (Belyaev): a summary. Unexpected result of the experiments of Hyde and Fox

In addition to hypnotists and fakirs in Dandarat, there were serious scientists who worked to create a flying man. The result of the experiments of the doctors of Fox and Hyde was decided to be tested on Ariel. Of course, in the novel "Ariel" Belyaev (the brief content allows one to understand this) stigmatizes such scientific figures. After all, all of them, in fact, do not care how this experiment ends for the spiritual and physical health of the young man. It's even better for them if Aurelius gets hurt in the mind. But the experience is surprisingly successful! The guy gets the opportunity to freely climb into the air, while retaining full clarity of mind.

Alexander Belyaev "Ariel" (short summary): the adventures of Aurelius outside Dandarat

Heads of a terrible school, as it turned out, miscalculated, giving Ariel the ability to fly. He immediately leaves Dandarat, taking with him the boy Sharada, which was imbued with sympathy.

Sharad and Ariel find themselves in Bengal. Here they receive shelter in the house of a poor peasant Nizamat and his granddaughter, the young widow of Lolita.

By the will of fate, Ariel has to become an entertainment for the raja, a partner of the pastor (he takes off, demonstrating what the true faith is supposed to be capable of).

All this time, Aurelius is looking for his older sister, smart, recalcitrant and practical Jane Galton. Her search becomes almost successful when she accidentally encounters her brother, but he flies away, leaving the girl in shock.

Then Ariel is used for his own benefit, Chathfield and Grigg are enterprising Americans who work in the circus industry. From their submission, Aurelius participates in sports, which, of course, wins. Now he is an undefeated athlete named Bina.

After the time Ariel still finds Jane, who manages to persuade him to return to Britain. But there is no true community of brother and sister, they are, in fact, strangers. Another circumstance that allows Ariel to understand that he is a stranger in this world of dealers is an attempt by bandits to use him in kidnapping a child.

The last drop is the evening when Aurelius appears before a secular society. The derogatory remarks of one of the guests about the inhabitants of India lead the youth to himself. This is followed by another quarrel with his sister, who does not understand the humanity of Aurelius and his disdain for prejudice. Ariel collects things and leaves for Madras. There, next to Sharad, Lolita and Nizmat he wants to live his life!

Alexander Belyaev "Ariel": a brief summary. P.S

It is clear that the above narration of the plot does not reflect the whole complexity of the work. In such a brief description, it is simply impossible to touch upon all the social aspects identified in the novel.