Footprints Without Feet: Ultimate Guide, Summary and More

Dive into our ultimate guide to Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells, featuring a detailed summary, thought-provoking Q&A, insightful analysis, character sketch of Griffin, and word meanings. Perfect for Class 10 students preparing for exams, with content in Hindi and Urdu too!

Summary of Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells

The Discovery of Invisibility

Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells is a gripping science fiction tale that explores the consequences of scientific overreach and the dark side of human ambition. The story revolves around Griffin, a brilliant but unethical scientist who discovers the secret to invisibility. His groundbreaking experiment involves changing the refractive index of his body to match that of air, making him completely invisible.

The Mysterious Footprints

The narrative begins with Griffin’s mysterious footprints appearing in the snow, shocking two boys who follow them out of curiosity. These footprints lead to an empty spot, indicating the invisible presence of a man.

A Curse in Disguise

Griffin’s invisibility, however, becomes a curse rather than a blessing. Lacking foresight and morality, he uses his newfound power for theft and mischief, ultimately becoming a hunted figure in society.

Griffin’s Downfall

Griffin’s journey reveals his descent into loneliness and despair. Unable to reverse his condition or connect with others, he becomes increasingly desperate and aggressive. The story unfolds with dramatic twists, shedding light on Griffin’s moral corruption and his inability to control his impulses.

The Moral of the Story

Through this compelling narrative, Wells warns of the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation and the ethical dilemmas it may create. Griffin’s invisibility symbolises the alienation that arises when one loses touch with humanity.

---

READ AND FIND OUT (Question Answer Footprints without Feet)

How did the invisible man first become visible?

The invisible man, Griffin, first became visible after entering a London store. He dressed himself in clothes, shoes, and a hat. To complete the disguise, he used bandages to cover his face and dark glasses to hide his empty eye sockets.

Why was he wandering the streets?

Griffin was wandering the streets because he was invisible, penniless, and had nowhere to go. His condition made him an outcast, forcing him to roam aimlessly in search of shelter and food.

Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?

Mrs Hall found Griffin eccentric because he avoided interaction, paid no attention to social norms, and behaved secretively. He stayed locked in his room, conducting strange experiments, and refused to explain his actions or origins.

What curious episode occurs in the study?

In the study, objects mysteriously move on their own, frightening Mrs Hall and others. They later discover that Griffin, the invisible man, is behind the strange occurrences, as he uses his invisibility to manipulate the environment.

What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?

Griffin’s belongings appear to move unaided, and furniture seemingly floats in the air. The inn’s residents are terrified when Griffin reveals his invisibility by unwrapping the bandages from his face.

---

THINK ABOUT IT (Question Answer)

1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.

Griffin’s actions, such as stealing money, creating chaos, and harming others, reflect his disregard for rules and morality. His selfish use of invisibility highlights his lack of respect for societal norms and laws.

2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?

Griffin was undoubtedly brilliant, as he unlocked the secret to invisibility. However, his lack of ethical consideration and misuse of his discovery tarnish his image as a responsible scientist, making him more of a cautionary figure.

---

TALK ABOUT IT

1. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee, if you did?

Becoming invisible could be thrilling, offering freedom and opportunities to explore unseen. However, it could lead to isolation, ethical dilemmas, and loss of trust. The ability might become a burden if misused or misunderstood by society.

2. Are there forces around us that are invisible, for example, magnetism? Are there aspects of matter that are ‘invisible’ or not visible to the naked eye? What would the world be like if you could see such forces or such aspects of matter?

Invisible forces like magnetism and gravity constantly influence our world. Matter like air and microscopic particles is also unseen. If we could see these forces, our perception of the world would change dramatically, creating both beauty and chaos.

3. What makes glass or water transparent (what is the scientific explanation for this)? Do you think it would be scientifically possible for a man to become invisible, or transparent?

Glass and water are transparent because their molecules allow light to pass through with minimal scattering. Scientifically, human invisibility would require altering the body’s refractive index, which is theoretically possible but extremely complex. Science fiction often predicts future discoveries, so invisibility might one day become a reality!

Analysis of Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells

The story serves as a critique of the misuse of scientific discovery. H.G. Wells, known for his mastery in science fiction, blends a fascinating premise with a moral lesson. Griffin embodies the archetype of a “mad scientist,” whose genius leads to his downfall due to his lack of ethical considerations.

Themes

1. Power and Isolation: Griffin’s invisibility grants him power but isolates him from society. His inability to interact as a normal human being highlights the dangers of possessing abilities that alienate one from humanity.
2. Science and Ethics: The story critiques the pursuit of knowledge without responsibility. Griffin’s experiments, though groundbreaking, ignore the consequences, illustrating the need for moral accountability in science.
3. Human Nature: Griffin’s actions showcase human flaws such as greed, arrogance, and impulsiveness. His descent into crime reflects the corrupting influence of unchecked power.

Style and Narrative

Wells uses suspense and vivid imagery to keep readers engaged. The footprints in the snow act as a striking metaphor for Griffin’s invisible presence, creating an eerie atmosphere. The third-person narration provides a detached perspective, allowing readers to judge Griffin’s actions objectively.

---

Character Sketch of Griffin

Griffin, the protagonist of Footprints Without Feet, is a complex and morally ambiguous character. A brilliant scientist, he achieves the impossible by becoming invisible. However, his genius is overshadowed by his selfishness and lack of empathy.

1. Intelligence: Griffin is undeniably gifted, as evidenced by his groundbreaking scientific discovery. His ability to alter his body’s refractive index showcases his innovative mind.
2. Morality: Despite his intelligence, Griffin’s moral compass is deeply flawed. His actions—stealing, terrorising others, and refusing to consider the consequences of his experiments—paint him as unscrupulous.
3. Loneliness: Griffin’s invisibility leads to his isolation. Stripped of human connection, he becomes embittered and vengeful, further alienating himself from society.
4. Hubris: Griffin’s downfall is rooted in his arrogance. He views himself as superior, which blinds him to the dangers of his actions and ultimately leads to his tragic fate.

---

Word Meaning of Footprints Without Feet

List of difficult words and expressions from Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells, along with their meanings in simple language:

Word/Expression	Meaning
Refractive index	A measure of how much light bends when it passes through a material.
Invisible	Something that cannot be seen.
Footprints	Marks left by feet when walking.
Mysterious	Something strange or not easily understood.
Experiment	A scientific test to try out an idea or discover something new.
Mischief	Bad behaviour, often causing trouble or harm.
Despair	A feeling of no hope.
Aggressive	Behaving in a way that is angry or violent.
Ethical	Doing what is right and fair.
Alienation	Feeling separated from others or lonely.
Scientific overreach	Going beyond safe or reasonable limits in science.
Groundbreaking	Something completely new and important.
Curiosity	A strong desire to know or learn something.
Consequences	Results or effects of an action or decision.
Unchecked	Not controlled or stopped.
Isolation	Being alone or separated from others.
Forethought	Thinking ahead or planning for the future.
Immoral	Not following good and fair behaviour.
Corruption	Dishonesty or doing wrong for personal gain.
Symbolises	Represents or stands for something else.

Summary of Footprints Without Feet in Hindi

अदृश्यता की खोज

Footprints Without Feet एच.जी. वेल्स की एक रोचक विज्ञान कथा है जो वैज्ञानिक प्रयोगों की सीमा और उनके दुष्परिणामों पर प्रकाश डालती है। कहानी का मुख्य पात्र ग्रिफिन एक प्रतिभाशाली लेकिन अनैतिक वैज्ञानिक है। वह अपने शरीर की अपवर्तनांक (refractive index) को हवा के समान बनाकर अदृश्य होने का रहस्य खोज लेता है।

बर्फ पर रहस्यमयी पदचिह्न

कहानी की शुरुआत दो लड़कों से होती है जो बर्फ पर दिखने वाले रहस्यमयी पदचिह्न देखते हैं। ये पदचिह्न उन्हें एक खाली जगह तक ले जाते हैं, जहां उन्हें पता चलता है कि कोई अदृश्य आदमी वहां मौजूद है।

शक्ति या अभिशाप?

ग्रिफिन की अदृश्यता शुरू में उसे शक्ति प्रदान करती है, लेकिन यह जल्द ही उसके लिए अभिशाप बन जाती है। बिना किसी नैतिकता के, वह इस शक्ति का उपयोग चोरी और उपद्रव के लिए करता है। उसका यह व्यवहार उसे समाज में एक खतरनाक और भगोड़े व्यक्ति के रूप में प्रस्तुत करता है।

अकेलापन और पतन

अपनी स्थिति को ठीक न कर पाने और दूसरों के साथ संबंध न बना पाने की वजह से ग्रिफिन हताश और आक्रामक हो जाता है। उसकी कहानी उसके नैतिक पतन और आत्म-नियंत्रण की कमी को उजागर करती है।

कहानी का संदेश

एच.जी. वेल्स इस कहानी के माध्यम से चेतावनी देते हैं कि विज्ञान के क्षेत्र में अत्यधिक और अनियंत्रित प्रयोग खतरनाक हो सकते हैं। ग्रिफिन की अदृश्यता मानवता से अलगाव (alienation) का प्रतीक है, जो दिखाता है कि जब कोई व्यक्ति इंसानियत से दूर हो जाता है तो उसे क्या भुगतना पड़ता है।

Summary of Footprints Without Feet in Urdu

Extract-Based MCQs from Footprints Without Feet

Extract 1

“Griffin was a brilliant scientist, but he had a streak of lawlessness in him. His discovery of invisibility had made him more self-centred and reckless.”

Question 1: What quality of Griffin is highlighted in this extract?
a) Generosity
b) Lawlessness
c) Timidity
d) Kindness
Answer: b) Lawlessness

Question 2: What does the word ‘reckless’ mean in the context of the extract?
a) Careful
b) Fearful
c) Careless
d) Respectful
Answer: c) Careless

Question 3: What was Griffin’s major scientific discovery?
a) Flying machines
b) Invisibility
c) Time travel
d) Robotics
Answer: b) Invisibility

---

Extract 2

“In the winter, the two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was a barefooted man doing on the steps of a house in the middle of London?”

Question 1: What surprised the two boys?
a) A strange noise
b) A pair of bare footprints
c) A barefooted man running
d) A broken window
Answer: b) A pair of bare footprints

Question 2: Where did the boys find the footprints?
a) On the snow
b) On muddy ground
c) On the steps of a house
d) Inside a shop
Answer: c) On the steps of a house

Question 3: What season is mentioned in the extract?
a) Summer
b) Spring
c) Autumn
d) Winter
Answer: d) Winter

---

Extract 3

“The landlord and his wife were up very early, and were surprised to see the scientist’s door wide open. Usually, it was shut and locked, and he was furious if anyone entered his room.”

Question 1: What surprised the landlord and his wife?
a) The scientist leaving the inn
b) The scientist’s door being open
c) Noise from the scientist’s room
d) The room being clean
Answer: b) The scientist’s door being open

Question 2: How did Griffin usually react if someone entered his room?
a) He ignored them
b) He was happy
c) He was furious
d) He thanked them
Answer: c) He was furious

Question 3: What time of the day is described in the extract?
a) Morning
b) Afternoon
c) Evening
d) Night
Answer: a) Morning

---

Extract 4

“Mrs Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and refused to go back there.”

Question 1: Why was Mrs Hall hysterical?
a) She had seen a ghost
b) She had an argument with Griffin
c) She believed the room was haunted
d) She was unwell
Answer: c) She believed the room was haunted

Question 2: What does the word ‘hysterics’ mean?
a) Calmness
b) Extreme emotion
c) Anger
d) Joy
Answer: b) Extreme emotion

Question 3: What made Mrs Hall believe the room was haunted?
a) Strange noises
b) Floating objects
c) Shadows on the wall
d) Griffin’s behaviour
Answer: b) Floating objects

---

Extract 5

“Griffin removed his bandages, spectacles, false nose, and whiskers, and the horrified people in the bar realised they were staring at a headless man!”

Question 1: What did Griffin remove first?
a) False nose
b) Bandages
c) Spectacles
d) Whiskers
Answer: b) Bandages

Question 2: How did the people in the bar react?
a) They laughed
b) They were horrified
c) They ignored him
d) They clapped
Answer: b) They were horrified

Question 3: Why did the people think Griffin was headless?
a) His head was invisible
b) He wore a hat
c) His head was bandaged
d) He had a mirror in front of him
Answer: a) His head was invisible

---

Answer Key Summary:

Extract 1:
1-b, 2-c, 3-b

Extract 2:
1-b, 2-c, 3-d

Extract 3:
1-b, 2-c, 3-a

Extract 4:
1-c, 2-b, 3-b

Extract 5:
1-b, 2-b, 3-a