1
Griffin's scientific brilliance is undeniable, yet his actions lead him down a destructive path. Elaborate on this duality of his character using examples from the text. 3marks
2
"Mrs Hall felt the scientist was eccentric." What specific incidents and observations led Mrs Hall to this conclusion about Griffin? 3marks
3
The theft at the clergyman's house and the subsequent events at the inn showcase Griffin's escalating lawlessness. Discuss this progression. 5marks
4
Analyse the effectiveness of Griffin's invisibility as a tool for escape. What are its limitations, as seen in the story? 3marks
5
The episode with the furniture in Mrs Hall's inn illustrates Griffin's lack of control and his increasing desperation. Explain. 3marks
6
Why did Griffin choose the village of Iping for his retreat? What were his expectations, and how were they thwarted? 3marks
7
Describe the scene when the constable, Mr Jaffers, arrives to arrest Griffin. What makes this arrest particularly challenging and remarkable? 5marks
8
How does the story "Footprints Without Feet" explore the theme of 'science versus morality'? 3marks
9
Griffin's landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. How did Griffin retaliate, and what does this reveal about his character? 3marks
10
Imagine you are Mrs Hall, writing a letter to a friend describing the strange occurrences at your inn after Griffin's arrival. Write this letter. 5marks
11
The initial appearance of footprints leads to a chase, but Griffin's invisibility allows him to escape. Discuss the role of these footprints in the narrative. 3marks
12
Griffin's decision to rob the theatrical company and the shopkeeper highlights his disregard for others. Elaborate on his motivations and actions. 5marks
13
"He had chosen a bad time of the year to wander about London without clothes." Explain the difficulties Griffin faced due to the season. 3marks
14
Why was Griffin unable to remain invisible and unclothed for long periods? What practical challenges did he face? 3marks
15
The story suggests that great intellect does not always equate to good character. Discuss this idea through Griffin's example. 5marks
16
How did Griffin attempt to conceal his identity and presence after arriving in Iping? What effect did this have on the villagers? 3marks
17
"My reason for coming to Iping is a desire for solitude. I do not wish to be disturbed in my work." Why was Griffin seeking solitude, and was he successful in achieving it? 3marks
18
Evaluate the effectiveness of the ending of the story. Does it provide a sense of closure, or leave the reader with lingering questions? 3marks
19
Consider the statement: "Invisible man is a prisoner of his own discovery." Justify this statement with reference to the events in the story. 5marks
20
How does the author use suspense and mystery to engage the reader in the story "Footprints Without Feet"? Provide examples. 3marks
Answers
1
Griffin's scientific brilliance is evident in his discovery of invisibility. However, his lawless nature and tendency to misuse his discovery for personal gain, like setting fire to his landlord's house, robbing shops, and attacking people, demonstrate his moral decay. This duality shows how scientific genius can be corrupted by a lack of ethical grounding.
2
Mrs Hall initially found Griffin eccentric due to his unusual appearance (bandages, spectacles, false nose, etc.) and his desire for solitude. His irritable temper and refusal to engage in conversation, along with his stated reason of an "accident" affecting his face, further contributed to her perception of him as peculiar.
3
Griffin's lawlessness escalates from petty acts to more serious crimes. He begins by stealing clothes and food from a store. His desperation leads him to rob the clergyman's house and then attack the shopkeeper. Finally, his confrontation with Mrs Hall and the constable shows him becoming increasingly violent and reckless, attacking the constable when cornered.
4
Invisibility grants Griffin the ability to escape immediate detection, as seen when he eludes the boys following his footprints and escapes the store assistants. However, its limitations are revealed when he steps in mud, leaving visible footprints, or when he needs clothes for warmth, making him visible. It also doesn't prevent him from being heard or felt.
5
The uncontrolled movement of furniture in Mrs Hall's inn, like the hat leaping off the bedpost and the chair charging at her, indicates that Griffin, despite being invisible, is still present and agitated. This chaotic display reflects his own inner turmoil and desperation as he panics and lashes out, making the inn a site of supernatural terror.
6
Griffin chose Iping for retreat to escape crowded London and continue his experiments in solitude. He expected peace and quiet to work on his research. However, his unusual appearance and the subsequent mysterious events, including theft and furniture disturbances, attracted attention and suspicion, thwarting his quest for undisturbed work.
7
The arrest of Griffin by Constable Jaffers is remarkable because Griffin is invisible. Jaffers, despite being a seasoned constable, struggles to apprehend a man he cannot see. The scene depicts a chaotic struggle where blows seem to come from nowhere, and eventually, Jaffers is knocked unconscious, highlighting the difficulty of dealing with an unseen assailant.
8
The story contrasts scientific advancement with ethical responsibility. Griffin's invention of invisibility, a scientific marvel, is used for criminal activities like theft and assault, demonstrating that scientific knowledge without moral guidance can be dangerous and destructive to society.
9
Griffin retaliated against his landlord by setting fire to the house. This act of arson, to escape without being seen, reveals his vindictive and destructive nature. It shows he prioritizes his freedom and anonymity over the safety and property of others.
10
[This answer would be a creative writing piece, approximately 150-200 words, detailing Mrs Hall's shock and fear, describing Griffin's strange habits, the missing money, the animated furniture, and her growing suspicion. It would conclude with her apprehension and perhaps her decision to call the constable.]
11
The footprints are crucial at the beginning as they are the only tangible clue to the invisible man's presence, leading the boys on a chase. They represent the initial mystery and how even invisibility leaves a trace. However, as the story progresses, Griffin's actions move beyond leaving mere footprints, demonstrating his transition into more overt criminal behaviour.
12
Griffin's motivations are driven by greed and a desire to escape his predicament. Having no money, he resorts to theft to fund his experiments and maintain his invisibility. He callously attacks the shopkeeper from behind and robs him, showing his complete lack of empathy and his willingness to harm others to achieve his goals.
13
The mid-winter season in London meant extremely cold weather. Griffin, being naked and invisible, suffered intensely from the cold. This discomfort forced him to seek shelter in a store and later drove him to steal clothes, making him visible and attracting attention, thereby complicating his situation.
14
Griffin couldn't remain invisible and unclothed for long due to practical necessities. The cold weather made it unbearable to be naked. He also needed money, food, and shelter, which required him to become visible by wearing clothes and interacting with others, albeit with a facade.
15
Griffin's journey from a brilliant scientist to a lawless vagrant exemplifies how intellect without morality can lead to ruin. His discovery, intended perhaps for scientific advancement, becomes a tool for crime. His inability to control his temper and his increasing violence show that intelligence alone does not guarantee good character or societal contribution.
16
Upon arriving in Iping, Griffin concealed his face with bandages, dark glasses, a false nose, whiskers, and a hat. This disguise, along with his preference for solitude and his explanation of an accident, created an air of mystery around him, making the villagers curious and suspicious.
17
Griffin sought solitude in Iping to escape the attention of London and continue his scientific work undisturbed. However, his quest for solitude was unsuccessful. His eccentric appearance and the strange events that occurred at the inn, like the theft and the furniture's unusual behaviour, drew significant attention and suspicion, preventing him from working in peace.
18
The ending, where Griffin escapes the constable and disappears, leaves the reader with a sense of unresolved tension. While it highlights his ultimate freedom due to his invisibility, it also implies his continued existence as a threat to society. This ambiguity leaves lingering questions about his future actions and the consequences of his discovery.
19
Griffin becomes a prisoner of his own discovery because invisibility, while offering freedom from observation, isolates him and makes him increasingly desperate. He cannot interact normally, needs to steal to survive, and his temper flares when confronted, leading to more violence. His discovery traps him in a cycle of crime and fear.
20
The author uses suspense by initially introducing the mystery of the footprints without revealing the cause. The reader is kept guessing about the identity of the barefooted man. The subsequent unexplained events at the inn, like the moving furniture and the theft, further build suspense, making the reader eager to know the truth behind the invisible scientist.
