Footprints Without Feet- Long Answers

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1.Describe Griffin’s initial plan to escape from the cold and how it led to his problems.

Griffin initially planned to escape the cold by entering a big London store. After the store closed, he found clothes and food, making himself comfortable. However, he overslept and was discovered by the store assistants the next morning. In his panic, Griffin had to strip off his clothes to become invisible again, leaving him once more naked and exposed to the bitter winter cold. This incident highlights his continuous struggle with invisibility, as he could not remain clothed and visible without being caught.

2. Explain how Griffin's invisibility created both opportunities and problems for him.

Griffin's invisibility allowed him to move unseen, which he used to escape his landlord and steal from shops. However, it also created significant problems. Without clothes, he was vulnerable to the cold and had to constantly find new ways to cover himself without being caught. His invisibility also led to suspicion and fear among the people he encountered. Ultimately, it made him a target for the law, as seen when the constable tried to arrest him despite his invisibility. Thus, Griffin's invisibility was both a powerful tool and a dangerous liability.

3. What actions did Griffin take to survive after becoming invisible, and what were the consequences?

After becoming invisible, Griffin took several drastic actions to survive. He set fire to his landlord's house to escape unnoticed, stole clothes and food from a London store, and robbed a theatrical shop for a disguise. These actions allowed him to temporarily evade detection and meet his basic needs. However, each action had consequences. Setting the fire made him a fugitive, stealing from stores led to close encounters with the public and law enforcement, and robbing the theatrical shop resulted in further suspicion and pursuit. Griffin's survival tactics ultimately led to a series of escalating problems, demonstrating the unsustainable nature of his invisible existence.

4. Evaluate the ethical implications of Griffin's actions throughout the story.

Griffin's actions, while driven by a desire to survive and maintain his invisibility, are ethically questionable. He sets fire to his landlord's house, which is a dangerous and reckless act of revenge. His thefts from shops and the attack on the theatrical shopkeeper show a disregard for others' property and wellbeing. Griffin's actions reflect a lack of moral responsibility, as he prioritizes his own needs and desires over the safety and rights of others. This ethical evaluation highlights the darker side of his character, overshadowing his scientific brilliance with his lawless behavior.

5. Analyze how Griffin’s invisibility impacts his interactions with others.

Griffin's invisibility significantly impacts his interactions with others, leading to a mix of fear, suspicion, and hostility. Initially, it allows him to move unnoticed, but as he begins to engage in criminal activities, the reactions of those around him change. The boys in London are fascinated by the footprints but have no idea of the danger Griffin represents. Mrs. Hall and the villagers at Iping are initially curious but quickly become suspicious and fearful when they witness the strange occurrences associated with him. Griffin's invisibility isolates him, making it difficult for him to form any positive or trusting relationships, and ultimately leads to his downfall as people unite against the unseen threat he poses.

6. Discuss the role of invisibility in Griffin’s psychological state and behavior.

Invisibility plays a crucial role in Griffin's psychological state and behavior. The power of being unseen gives him a sense of superiority and freedom, allowing him to commit crimes without immediate consequences. However, it also leads to paranoia and isolation. Constantly on the run and unable to trust anyone, Griffin's behavior becomes increasingly erratic and desperate. His invisibility strips him of his social identity, leading to a disconnect from societal norms and ethics. This psychological transformation is evident in his escalating criminal actions and his violent responses to perceived threats, ultimately culminating in his complete alienation and tragic end.

 7. Analyze the villagers' response to Griffin and what it reveals about human nature.

The villagers' response to Griffin reveals aspects of human nature such as fear, curiosity, and the instinct to protect oneself and the community. Initially, the villagers are curious about the mysterious stranger, but their curiosity quickly turns to fear and suspicion as strange events occur. Their reaction to the invisible Griffin, ranging from Mrs. Hall's hysteria to the constable's determined pursuit, demonstrates a natural fear of the unknown and the supernatural. This fear is compounded by the villagers' sense of justice and desire to protect their community from perceived threats. The villagers' collective response highlights the human tendency to band together against a common threat, driven by both fear and a sense of duty.

8. Describe the landlord’s and his wife’s experience with the strange scientist.

Mrs. Hall and her husband were surprised to see the scientist's room door open because it was usually locked. They peeked inside but found no one there, just the scientist's clothes and bandages scattered around. Suddenly, Mrs. Hall heard a sniff near her ear, and the hat on the bedpost flew at her face. Then, the chair in the room jumped up and pushed them out, slamming and locking the door behind them. Mrs. Hall got scared and almost fell down the stairs, thinking her furniture was haunted. They decided to talk to the scientist about what happened when they saw him next.

9. What impression do you form of Griffin after reading the lesson, “Footprint, without Feet”?

Griffin was a smart scientist who invented a drug that made his body see-through like glass when he took it, turning him invisible. But he didn't follow the rules. His bad behavior left him with nothing—no clothes, no money, and nowhere to call home. He got mad easily, which got him into trouble, and soon he was running from the law.

10. If, somehow you discovered how to become invisible, how would you use that opportunity? 

If I could turn invisible, I'd use it to stop those who hurt others for their own gain. I'd quietly catch them and give them to the police without them knowing it was me. I'd also assist law enforcement in raids on criminal hideouts, moving around unseen to make sure they're successful. This would encourage people to follow the law, making our country safer for everyone.

11. “Scientific discoveries have made life easier but insecure.” Explain with reference to the story ‘Footprints without Feet’ written by H.G. Wells.

There is no doubt that scientific discoveries have made life easier. Take any sphere of human activity, electricity, telecommunications, electronics, computers, etc, these have changed man’s life. We can interact and walk on the moon. A trip to Mars is next on our agenda. We can fly like birds. Supersonic planes fly at more than the speed of sound. Wonderful drugs can overcome deadly diseases. Surgery can replace defective limbs. Despite all these discoveries, human life is becoming insecure. Weapons of mass destruction are a constant danger. The fear of chemical, or biological warfare looms large. Diseases like AIDS and SARS can destroy the human race.

12. “A lawless scientist is a curse to the society.” Discuss.

When a scientist breaks the law, it's harmful to society. A good scientist uses discoveries to help people and make progress. But a bad one like Griffin in this story brings pain and trouble instead. Imagine if a lawless scientist got hold of nuclear weapons—they could cause huge damage. They might even ruin the work of other scientists. That's why leaders are scared of chemical weapons ending up with bad leaders or terrorists. If that happens, it could be bad news for all scientists everywhere.

13. How did the invisible man first become visible?

Griffin was invisible until he walked through mud, leaving footprints. Two boys saw the footprints and followed him until they disappeared. Then, Griffin went to a big store in London to get warm clothes. When the store closed, he dressed himself in a coat, hat, and shoes. This made him visible to the workers the next day when they came to open the store.