NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English ‘ Footprints without Feet ‘
“Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells
Introduction:
“Footprints Without Feet” is a captivating excerpt from H.G. Wells’ famous science fiction novel The Invisible Man. This story reflects the consequences of scientific experimentation and how it impacts human behavior and society. It revolves around Griffin, a brilliant scientist who invents a way to become invisible but uses his discovery for selfish and destructive purposes. The narrative combines suspense, mystery, and ethical dilemmas, making it an intriguing tale with deep underlying themes.
Plot Summary:
1. Griffin’s Experiment and Invisibility:
The story begins with Griffin, a scientist, discovering a way to make himself invisible by altering his body’s refractive index to match that of air. However, this groundbreaking invention comes at a cost—Griffin loses his physical appearance and becomes completely transparent, which makes it impossible for others to see him.
2. Griffin’s Misdeeds:
Initially, Griffin revels in the freedom and power of invisibility. However, his invisible state drives him to immoral acts. He begins exploiting his invisibility for selfish gains, stealing money and causing chaos. His actions lead him into conflict with society.
3. Griffin in London:
The narrative describes Griffin wandering the streets of London without clothes to make himself invisible. His footprints in the mud are noticed by two boys, who are astonished and follow him until the footprints disappear. This incident creates suspense and mystery among onlookers.
4. Griffin’s Crimes:
Griffin’s criminal activities escalate. He takes shelter in a shop, steals clothes, food, and money, and escapes without being seen. His unethical actions portray his descent into moral corruption, showcasing how power without responsibility can lead to ruin.
5. Griffin’s Escape to Iping:
Fleeing from London, Griffin arrives in the village of Iping. Here, he rents a room at an inn, attempting to live a quiet life and carry on his experiments. However, his strange behavior and secrecy arouse the villagers’ suspicion.
6. Discovery and Chaos:
When the innkeepers discover Griffin’s invisibility, chaos ensues. Griffin retaliates by revealing his invisibility and attacking the villagers to escape. His actions highlight the dangerous consequences of his experiments and the fear he incites in society.
Themes:
- Abuse of Scientific Power:
Griffin’s discovery of invisibility is a scientific marvel, but his misuse of it for personal gain leads to chaos and destruction. The story warns about the ethical implications of unchecked scientific advancements. - Isolation and Alienation:
Griffin’s invisibility makes him physically invisible but also socially isolated. His inability to connect with others highlights the loneliness and alienation that can result from extreme individuality. - Moral Responsibility:
The narrative emphasizes that great power comes with great responsibility. Griffin’s lack of moral restraint and accountability leads to his downfall. - Human Curiosity and Fear of the Unknown:
The story captures society’s reaction to the unknown, represented by Griffin’s invisibility. The villagers’ fear and curiosity reflect how humans deal with phenomena beyond their understanding. - Greed and Corruption:
Griffin’s transformation from a brilliant scientist to a corrupt individual shows how greed and power can corrupt even the most intelligent minds.
Character Analysis:
1. Griffin (The Invisible Man):
- A talented but morally flawed scientist.
- Represents ambition and the darker side of human nature.
- His misuse of his invention highlights the dangers of scientific advancements without ethical considerations.
- Griffin’s invisibility symbolizes the loss of humanity and moral grounding.
2. The Villagers:
- Represent ordinary society’s reaction to the unknown.
- Their fear and hostility toward Griffin reflect human behavior when faced with threats.
3. The Innkeepers (Mrs. Hall and Mr. Hall):
- Mrs. Hall’s curiosity and suspicion drive the story forward.
- The couple provides comic relief through their reactions to Griffin’s strange behavior.
Symbols in the Story:
- Invisibility:
- Symbolizes power, freedom, and isolation.
- Represents the idea that actions done in secrecy often lack accountability.
- Footprints Without Feet:
- A literal representation of Griffin’s invisibility.
- Symbolizes the mystery and fear associated with the unknown.
- Clothes and Bandages:
- Griffin’s use of clothes and bandages to make himself visible represents his struggle to fit into society despite his invisibility.
Moral Lessons:
- Ethics in Science:
Scientific advancements must be guided by ethical considerations to ensure they benefit humanity rather than harm it. - Power and Responsibility:
With great power comes great responsibility. Griffin’s misuse of his invention demonstrates how unchecked power can lead to destruction. - The Value of Humanity:
Invisibility isolates Griffin from society, highlighting the importance of relationships and human connection. - Consequences of Immorality:
Griffin’s descent into criminal behavior shows how immoral actions can lead to alienation and downfall.
Writing Style:
H.G. Wells employs a descriptive and suspenseful writing style that captivates readers. His use of vivid imagery and realistic dialogue makes the story engaging. The narrative seamlessly blends science fiction with social commentary, creating a timeless tale that resonates with readers across generations.
Important Quotes:
- On Griffin’s Experiment:
- “The only way I could escape from the society that oppressed me was to make myself invisible.”
This reflects Griffin’s initial justification for his experiment.
- “The only way I could escape from the society that oppressed me was to make myself invisible.”
- On Griffin’s Crimes:
- “It was marvelous what I could do, but terrible how I used it.”
Highlights Griffin’s acknowledgment of his misuse of power.
- “It was marvelous what I could do, but terrible how I used it.”
- On Society’s Reaction:
- “The sight of his invisible footprints struck terror into the hearts of onlookers.”
Demonstrates the fear and confusion caused by Griffin’s invisibility.
- “The sight of his invisible footprints struck terror into the hearts of onlookers.”
Impact of “Footprints Without Feet”:
The story is a classic example of how science fiction can explore deep philosophical and ethical questions. It challenges readers to think about the consequences of their actions and the importance of moral responsibility in the face of power.
Relevance in Today’s World:
- Advancements in Technology:
Modern advancements in artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and surveillance echo the concerns raised in the story about the ethical use of power. - Isolation in the Digital Age:
Like Griffin’s invisibility, technology can isolate individuals, making the story relevant in understanding the psychological impact of detachment from society. - Fear of the Unknown:
The story resonates with contemporary fears of the unknown, such as emerging technologies, climate change, and pandemics.
Conclusion:
“Footprints Without Feet” is a thought-provoking and entertaining tale that delves into the consequences of scientific ambition and ethical irresponsibility. H.G. Wells masterfully combines elements of suspense, mystery, and social commentary to craft a story that continues to captivate readers. It serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of balancing innovation with responsibility, and the potential dangers of misusing power for personal gain.
By exploring Griffin’s rise and fall, the story emphasizes the human need for connection, accountability, and ethical considerations in all pursuits.
Importent FAQs on Footprints without Feet
1. How did the invisible man first become visible?
Ans: Griffin was completely invisible until he happened to step in some mud, which caused him to leave footprints as he walked. His footprints were seen by two boys, who followed him as long as the prints were visible. On getting rid of them, he went into a big London store to put on some warm clothes. After the store was shut, he got dressed by putting on shoes, an overcoat, and a wide-brimmed hat. This made him visible to the people who came to work at the store the next day.
2. Why was he wandering the streets?
Ans: Griffin was a lawless person. His landlord disliked him and tried to get rid of him. In revenge, he set fire to the house. He had to remove his clothes to get away without being seen. This was why he had become a homeless wanderer—without clothes and money.
1. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Ans: The arrival of a stranger at an inn in winter was in itself a strange occurrence. In addition, the stranger had an uncommon appearance. Despite Mrs Hall’s attempts to be friendly, he would respond coldly. He told her that he had no desire to talk and that all he wanted was solitude. He did not wish to be disturbed in his work. For all these reasons she regarded him as an eccentric scientist.
2. What curious episode occurs in the study?
Ans: A clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises in the study very early in the morning. Creeping downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. He and his wife looked under the desk behind the curtains, and even up the chimney. There wasn’t a sign of anybody. Yet the desk had been opened and the housekeeping money was missing.
3. What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?
Ans: The landlord and his wife are surprised to see the scientist’s door open. Usually, it is shut and locked and he becomes furious if anyone enters his room. The opportunity seems too good to be missed. They peep around the door, see nobody, and decide to investigate. The bedclothes were cold, showing that the scientist must have been up for some time. All of a sudden Mrs. Hall heard a sniff close to her ear. A moment later the hat on the bedpost leapt up and dashed itself into her face. Then the bedroom chair became alive. Springing into the air it charged straight at her, legs foremost. As she and her husband turned away in terror, the extraordinary chair pushed them both out of the room and then appeared to slam and lock the door after them. Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and that the stranger had somehow caused these to enter into the furniture.
1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.
Ans: It is rightly said that Griffin was a lawless person. He was not a law-abiding citizen. A person who follows the law and order of the country can not think of damaging other’s property. But Griffin set fire to the house and became a homeless wanderer. He also robbed a shopkeeper of all the money he could find. He stole the housekeeping money from the clergyman’s desk. Griffin also attacked Mrs. Hall when she entered his room. All these activities and instances prove that he was a lawless person.
2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
Ans: After repeated experiments, Griffin discovered how to make the human body transparent. This was a big achievement. However, he misused his discovery for personal gains and for hurting others. Thus, though he can be termed a brilliant scientist, he was not a noble one.
