Footprints without Feet Chapter Summary for class 10th
Footprints Without Feet is a captivating short story written by H.G. Wells, the renowned pioneer of
science fiction. This story, which is included in the book "The Invisible
Man," is a story that combines suspense, morality, and science fiction
elements. Wells' examination of the intricacies of human nature and the
repercussions of unrestricted scientific experimentation continues to be a
timeless and thought-provoking addition to the genre.
The narrative presents readers to
Griffin, the enigmatic stranger who shows up in the sleepy village of Iping.
The locals are immediately suspicious and intrigued by Griffin's peculiar
appearance, as he is completely clothed and exhibits a secluded demeanor. As
the story progresses, it becomes evident that Griffin is hiding a startling
secret: he has figured out how to turn invisible.
Footprints without Feet Summary
The story begins with a mysterious
stranger arriving at Iping, a small village. The stranger is heavily wrapped in
clothes and wears gloves and a wide-brimmed hat, concealing most of his face.
The villagers are intrigued and suspicious about this stranger, who checks into
a local inn run by Mr. and Mrs. Hall.
The mysterious guest, later
revealed as Griffin, requests privacy and an all-encompassing solitude that
adds to the villagers' suspicions. However, Mr. Marvel, a local tramp, is quick
to take advantage of the stranger's eccentricity, trying to uncover the secrets
behind his peculiar appearance.
Footprints without Feet Chapter Summary-The stranger's unusual behavior
becomes more apparent as the days go by. Even on the hottest days, he insisted
on remaining inside, and he spends much of his time in his room. When Mrs. Hall
discovers that the stranger doesn't eat and that his room is full of odd
substances and scientific equipment, the mystery only grows.
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Griffin's secret is quickly made
public: he has figured out how to turn invisible. He describes how he
accomplished this to Mr. Kemp, a colleague scientist he knew from university.
Griffin had dabbled in the use of monocane, a substance that causes the body to
become translucent. Sadly, he cannot undo the process, which renders him
invisible indefinitely.
Footprints without Feet Chapter Summary-Griffin narrates the challenges he
faces as an invisible man. The absence of visible footprints when he walks is a
metaphorical representation of his detachment from society. He shares his
struggles of finding food, avoiding physical contact due to his naked and
invisible state, and the impact of his condition on his mental health.
The narrative takes a darker turn
as Griffin's frustration and loneliness intensify. He becomes increasingly unhinged
and turns to a life of crime, stealing and terrorizing the village. The
invisible man's reign of terror reaches its peak when he assaults his fellow
scientist, Mr. Kemp, revealing his plan to establish a "Reign of
Terror" by making use of his invisibility.
Footprints without Feet Chapter Summary-The villagers, led by Mr. Kemp,
form a posse to capture the invisible man. The climax of the story unfolds in a
snow-covered landscape, where Griffin's footprints become visible due to the
snow sticking to his invisible boots. This ingenious solution allows the
villagers to track and capture Griffin.
Characters
in Footprints without Feet
The Invisible Man (Griffin): The
central character of the story, Griffin is a brilliant scientist who discovers
a way to become invisible. However, he struggles to reverse the process,
leading to his perpetual invisibility. As the story progresses, Griffin's
isolation and frustration drive him to criminal behavior, terrorizing the
village.
Mr. and Mrs. Hall: The owners of
the inn in the village of Iping where Griffin takes residence. They are the
first to encounter Griffin and become increasingly suspicious of his strange
behavior.
Mr. Marvel: A local tramp in Iping,
Mr. Marvel quickly seizes the opportunity to exploit Griffin's invisibility for
his own gain. He becomes an unwitting accomplice in Griffin's plans.
Mr. Kemp: A fellow scientist who
knew Griffin at university. He becomes a significant character later in the
story when Griffin seeks him out to share his experiences and plans for establishing
a "Reign of Terror."
Villagers of Iping: The collective
villagers, led by Mr. Kemp, become a force against Griffin when they form a
posse to capture the invisible man. Their fear and suspicion of the unknown
drive them to confront and subdue Griffin.
Footprints Without Feet Question Answer
Q.1 Is "Footprints Without Feet" based on a true story?
No, "Footprints Without
Feet" is a work of fiction by H.G. Wells. While Wells was a visionary in
the realm of science fiction, the story is not based on actual events.
Q.2 What is the significance of the invisible man's footprints in
the snow?
The footprints becoming visible in
the snow serves as a clever plot device. It allows the villagers to track and
capture Griffin, adding a dramatic element to the climax. The footprints
symbolize the consequences of Griffin's unseen presence and his inability to
escape the scrutiny of society.
Q.3 What themes does "Footprints Without Feet" explore?
The story explores themes of
isolation, scientific hubris, fear of the unknown, and the ethical implications
of scientific discovery. It serves as a cautionary tale about the
responsibilities that accompany groundbreaking advancements.
Q.4 How does Griffin's invisibility impact his mental state?
Griffin's invisibility, initially a
scientific triumph, progressively becomes a double-edged sword, profoundly
impacting his mental state. The sheer novelty of being unseen by others, a
testament to his scientific prowess, soon gives way to a profound sense of
isolation. Cut off from the normal human interactions that provide emotional
sustenance, Griffin descends into a state of profound loneliness and
desperation.
The inability to share his
experiences, both scientific and personal, exacerbates his detachment from
society. His unseen presence and the lack of meaningful connections contribute
to a growing sense of alienation. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes evident
that Griffin's invisibility is not just a physical condition but a metaphor for
the emotional and psychological toll of unchecked scientific experimentation.
The consequences of being invisible extend
beyond the physical realm, delving into the depths of the human psyche, laying
bare the profound impact of isolation on one's mental well-being.
Q.5 What is the significance of the villagers' reaction to
Griffin's invisibility?
The villagers' fear and suspicion
of Griffin represent society's reaction to the unknown. Their collective
response reflects the broader human tendency to fear what cannot be easily
understood or seen, adding a social commentary layer to the narrative.
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