Footprints Without Feet - Footprints Without Feet - Class 10 - CBSE English

H.G. Wells, whose full name is Herbert George Wells, was an acclaimed English author born on September 21, 1866. Wells is often referred to as "the father of science fiction", as he was one of the first authors to explore this genre in depth. Alongside Jules Verne, Wells helped forge a new kind of literature that dealt in speculate science and futuristic explorations, drawing readers into worlds of his own creation.

Wells is best-known for his works such as "The Invisible Man", "War of the Worlds", "The Time Machine", and "The Island of Dr. Moreau". His writing style combined careful research with insightful social commentary, often using his stories as a vehicle to critique the social and cultural norms of his time.

Wells was a prolific writer not only of science fiction, but also of history and social commentary, with over fifty novels to his name, along with dozens of short stories and works of non-fiction. His influence on the science fiction genre is immeasureable, with his work laying the groundwork for countless authors who followed in his footsteps.

Apart from his literary career, Wells was also a forward-thinking social commentator, whose ideas on technology, politics and society were often far ahead of their time. He was deeply committed to social reforms and equality, and his work often reflected his progressive ideologies.

H.G. Wells passed away on August 13, 1946, but his works remain in print and his influence on literature continues to be felt today.

The story follows two boys who witness fresh, muddy footprints appearing on the ground from nowhere. They find out that these footprints are being made by a scientist named Griffin, who has managed to create a formula to make his body invisible. Despite being a brilliant scientist, Griffin is lawless, with one such act including setting a house on fire out of revenge ...

1. Science and Discovery: The story features a scientist named Griffin who discovered how to make the human body transparent and thus invisible. This achievement in itself puts emphasis on scientific discovery and the limitless possibilities it can create. It questions the boundaries of scientific exploration and the potential consequences when these discoveries are made without ethical considerations.

2. Power and Misuse: Upon becoming invisible, Griffin misuses his newfound abilities for personal gain and causes havoc. He robs a shopkeeper and ...

1. "The bewildered boys had been following a scientist who had just discovered how to make the human body transparent." This line introduces Griffin, the scientist, and his invention - the ability to make humans invisible.

2. "To get away without being seen he had to remove his clothes." This line explains the reason behind Griffin's mysterious footprints and is also significant in presenting the limitation of his invisibility.

3. "Closing time arrived, and as soon as the doors were shut Griffin was able to give himself the pleasure of clothing and feeding himself without regard to expense." This line ...

Griffin, the central character of the story, is a scientist who discovers the formula to make himself invisible. He performs the operation on himself and becomes invisible. Griffin is presented as a complex character – a mix of brilliance and malevolence.

Griffin is depicted as an exceptionally brilliant scientist. ...

1. Imprints: Marks or impressions left behind by something

   The detective examined the imprints left on the muddy ground to determine the direction the suspect had taken.

2. Bewildered: Confused or puzzled

   The tourists looked bewildered as they tried to navigate the complex subway system in a foreign city.

3. Transparent: Allowing light to pass through; see-through

   The windows of the modern skyscraper were made of transparent glass, offering breathtaking views of the city.

4. Eject: Forcefully remove or expel

   The unruly passenger was.......................