Footprints Without Feet

 

Footprints Without Feet

Author: H. G. Wells

 

Introduction

Footprints Without Feet is an exciting science fiction story written by H. G. Wells. It explores the fascinating idea of invisibility and the consequences of using scientific knowledge without wisdom and morality. The story revolves around a scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible. Instead of using his discovery for the benefit of humanity, he misuses his power, creating fear, confusion, and disorder wherever he goes.

The story highlights that knowledge without responsibility can become dangerous, and it teaches that scientific discoveries should always be used ethically.

 

Summary

Footprint Without Feet is the story of Griffin, a brilliant scientist who discovers a formula that makes the human body invisible. However, instead of using his discovery for the benefit of humanity, he misuses it for selfish and criminal purposes. He burns down his landlord’s house, steals clothes and money, and enters a shop to obtain food and clothing. Later, he takes shelter in a London inn, where he steals money from the clergyman’s house. When the innkeeper and others try to catch him, Griffin removes his clothes and escapes by becoming invisible. He then travels to a village and stays at an inn, where his strange appearance and mysterious behaviour arouse suspicion. Eventually, he is chased by the villagers but escapes once again. The story highlights the misuse of science, lack of morality, selfishness and the consequences of irresponsible actions.

Character Sketch of Griffin

Griffin is a highly intelligent and talented scientist. His discovery of a scientific formula that makes the human body invisible shows his creativity, determination and scientific ability. However, his intelligence is not guided by ethical values. He is extremely selfish and concerned mainly with his own needs. His selfishness prevents him from using his discovery for any constructive purpose. He has a criminal mindset, as seen in his burning down of his landlord’s house and stealing from shops. These actions reveal his dishonest and lawless nature. Griffin is also short-tempered and vindictive. His violent behaviour shows that he lacks patience, self-control and respect for others. Despite these negative qualities, he is a clever and resourceful person who quickly finds ways to deal with the difficult situations created by his invisibility. Thus, Griffin is a brilliant scientist but a morally irresponsible person who misuses his extraordinary scientific discovery for selfish purposes.

 

Additional Questions

A. Short Answer Questions

 

a)      Why was Griffin forced to become a homeless wanderer after discovering the secret of invisibility?

b)      How did Griffin manage to get food and clothing after becoming invisible?

c)      Why did Mrs Hall find Griffin’s behaviour strange?

d)      How did Griffin escape when the police arrived at the inn?

e)      Why can Griffin be called a brilliant scientist but a poor human being?

B. Long Answer Questions

a)      Griffin was a brilliant scientist but a morally irresponsible person. Discuss the statement with examples from the chapter.

b)      Describe the various difficulties Griffin faced after becoming invisible

c)      How does Footprints Without Feet combine elements of science fiction, mystery and humour?

d)      Today, technology such as Artificial Intelligence can provide people with great power and opportunities. What lessons from Griffin's story can be applied to the responsible use of modern technology?

C. Extract Based Question

Read the following extract and answer the questions that follow.

“The poor man had to remove his clothes to escape from the shopkeeper and his assistants.”

 

a)      Who was the “poor man” referred to in the extract?

b)      Why did he have to remove his clothes?

c)      What happened after he removed his clothes?

d)      What does this incident reveal about the advantages and disadvantages of invisibility?

e)      Choose the correct option:

Griffin removed his clothes because he wanted to:

i) change his appearance                   ii) become invisible and escape

              iii) buy new clothes                             iv) hide from the police

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