Footprints Without Feet — Notes

Summary

Griffin's Scientific Achievement and First Foray

The chapter introduces Griffin, a brilliant scientist who discovers how to make the human body transparent and invisible. After experimenting with rare drugs, his body became as transparent as glass but remained solid. Driven by a lawless nature, he set fire to his landlord's house to escape detection and became a homeless wanderer, invisible but leaving footprints in the mud.

Griffin's London Adventures: Warmth and Theft

Finding himself invisible and unclothed in the cold London winter, Griffin entered a large department store for warmth. He helped himself to clothes, shoes, an overcoat, and a hat, becoming visible. He then raided a restaurant kitchen and a grocery store for food and drink. He settled to sleep on a pile of quilts, but woke late, alarming the store assistants. He escaped by quickly removing his new clothes, again becoming invisible and naked.

Seeking Disguise and Robbery

Shivering, Griffin sought refuge and disguise at a theatrical company in Drury Lane. He found a shop and equipped himself with bandages around his forehead, dark glasses, a false nose, bushy side-whiskers, and a large hat. To escape unnoticed after robbing the shopkeeper of money, he callously attacked him from behind.

Arrival in Iping and Eccentric Behaviour

Griffin then travelled by train to the quiet village of Iping, seeking solitude. He booked two rooms at the local inn, his unusual appearance immediately drawing attention and gossip. Mrs Hall, the innkeeper's wife, tried to be friendly, but Griffin, explaining his presence as a desire for solitude and attributing his disfigurement to an accident, refused to talk and was short-tempered. Mrs Hall excused his eccentricity as he had paid in advance.

The Clergyman's Study Burglary

Griffin's stolen money ran out, and he claimed to be expecting a cheque. A curious incident occurred early one morning: the clergyman and his wife heard noises from the study and found money missing from the desk. The clergyman, armed with a poker, entered the room but found it empty, despite signs of a forced desk opening.

The Haunted Inn and Griffin's Revelation

Later that morning, Mrs Hall and her husband found the scientist's door open. Investigating, they found his clothes and bandages discarded and the bed cold. Suddenly, Mrs Hall's hat leapt off the bedpost and hit her, and a chair attacked them, pushing them out of the room and locking the door. Convinced the inn was haunted, Mrs Hall confronted Griffin. Angered by her questioning and demands, Griffin shouted, "You don’t understand who or what I am!" and threw off his bandages, whiskers, and spectacles, revealing himself as a headless man.

The Constable's Struggle

The village constable, Mr Jaffers, arrived to arrest Griffin. A remarkable scene ensued as the policeman attempted to apprehend a man who was becoming increasingly invisible as he shed his clothes. Despite efforts from bystanders, the constable was knocked unconscious by blows from the unseen Griffin, who managed to escape.

This story explores the misuse of scientific discovery and the consequences of a lawless and self-centered individual.

Remember

The chapter highlights how scientific advancements, when in the hands of a person with a flawed character, can lead to chaos and harm. 🎯 Exam-smart: An extract might describe Griffin's appearance in Iping or the incident at the inn. Questions could focus on Mrs Hall's perception of him, the specific unexplained events (like the furniture moving), or his ultimate reaction when confronted.

Characters

Griffin

A brilliant scientist who discovers how to make himself invisible.

• Lawless and vengeful: After his landlord dislikes him and tries to eject him, Griffin "set fire to the house" in revenge.
• Selfish and inconsiderate: He steals clothes, food, and money without any regard for others. He attacks the shopkeeper and knocks out the constable to escape.
• Impulsive and short-tempered: He panics when discovered in the store and becomes furious when questioned by Mrs. Hall. He reacts violently to being challenged.
• Driven by scientific curiosity but lacks moral grounding: His desire for solitude and to continue his work is evident, but his methods are criminal.

Griffin's invisibility is a physical change, but he remains morally corrupt and his actions become increasingly desperate and violent. He does not change his character by the end of the story.

Mrs. Hall

The landlady of the inn at Iping.

• Initially friendly and hospitable: She "made every effort to be friendly" and was prepared to "excuse his strange habits".
• Curious and observant: She noticed the scientist's unusual appearance and behaviour.
• Becomes terrified and convinced of supernatural influence: After her furniture moves, she is "convinced that the room was haunted by spirits".

Other characters

• Two boys: They are initially surprised and fascinated by the muddy footprints appearing from nowhere, leading them to follow them.
• Griffin's landlord: He disliked Griffin and tried to eject him, which led to Griffin's vengeful act of burning down the house.
• Store assistants: They discover Griffin in the store and give chase, leading to his escape by discarding his clothes.
• Theatrical company shopkeeper: Griffin attacks him from behind to steal clothes and money, demonstrating his callousness.
• Clergyman: Awakened by the sound of money being stolen from his desk, he confronts the empty study.
• Clergyman's wife: Awakens with her husband and is present when they discover the theft.
• Mr. Jaffers: The village constable who arrives to arrest Griffin but is ultimately knocked unconscious by the invisible scientist.

Remember

The primary focus is on Griffin's character and his actions, which are directly linked to his invisibility. Minor characters serve to highlight Griffin's impact and the mystery he creates.

Exam-smart

An extract might show Mrs. Hall's reaction to the furniture or the clergyman discovering the theft. You would need to identify the characters involved and describe their reactions based on traits like fear, suspicion, or bewilderment, linking them to Griffin's mysterious presence.

Themes and Message

The Misuse of Science and Discovery

Griffin, a brilliant scientist, discovers invisibility but misuses his power. Instead of using his discovery for the betterment of humanity, he uses it for personal gain and to escape consequences. This is shown when he sets fire to his house to avoid eviction and subsequently robs people for money. His actions demonstrate how scientific advancements can be detrimental when driven by selfish motives and a disregard for law.

Lawlessness and its Consequences

Griffin's character is defined by his lawless nature. He dislikes authority and retaliates against his landlord by burning down his house. His invisibility allows him to commit crimes, such as theft from the clergyman's desk and the theatrical shopkeeper. However, his actions ultimately lead to his downfall, as he is pursued and eventually apprehended by the constable, highlighting that even with invisibility, one cannot escape the repercussions of their deeds indefinitely.

Social Isolation and Alienation

The pursuit of scientific knowledge often comes at a personal cost. Griffin's dedication to his experiments leads him to become a lawless person, alienating him from society. His desire for solitude in Iping is an attempt to escape notice, but his "strange habits and irritable temper" make him an outcast. The villagers suspect him of witchcraft, further isolating him. This theme suggests that unchecked scientific ambition can lead to profound loneliness.

Appearance vs. Reality

Griffin's invisibility creates a stark contrast between his appearance and his true nature. Initially, he appears as a mysterious, barefooted man, then as a fully dressed, visible individual, and finally as a "headless man." His physical transformations highlight the deceptive nature of appearances. The villagers' perception of him changes from an "eccentric scientist" to a suspect in a burglary and finally to a target of suspicion for witchcraft. This theme explores how what we see is not always what is real.

Why the title "Footprints Without Feet"

The title, "Footprints Without Feet," is a direct reference to the initial mystery of the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet appearing from nowhere in London. This intriguing event draws the attention of two boys and serves as the catalyst for revealing Griffin's invisible presence. The title effectively captures the paradoxical nature of Griffin's condition – leaving physical evidence (footprints) while being physically unseen (without visible feet). It hints at the mystery and scientific marvel that drives the narrative.

Tone and Mood

The tone of the story shifts throughout. It begins with a sense of mystery and wonder as the boys follow the inexplicable footprints. This transitions to suspense and unease as Griffin's illegal activities and violent behaviour are revealed. The mood in the village of Iping is initially one of curiosity and gossip due to the stranger's arrival, which then shifts to fear and suspicion after the burglary and the strange occurrences at the inn.

The Message

The writer, H.G. Wells, conveys that science and discovery are powerful tools, but their application must be guided by ethics and responsibility. Uncontrolled ambition and a disregard for law can lead to destructive consequences, both for the individual and for society. The story also suggests that true progress lies not just in scientific innovation, but in how it is used for the welfare of humanity, and that even the most extraordinary abilities cannot shield one from the moral implications of their actions.

Remember

The story explores the ethical implications of scientific discovery, not just the 'how-to' of invisibility.

Exam-smart

An extract might describe the initial appearance of the footprints in London, asking about the mystery presented and the initial impression of the invisible man. Your answer should focus on the intrigue and the paradoxical nature of leaving evidence without being seen, linking it to the title's theme.

Language and Literary Devices

Footprints Without Feet

Style and Point of View

The story is told in the third-person omniscient point of view. This allows the narrator to access the thoughts and feelings of multiple characters, such as the bewildered boys, Mrs. Hall, the clergyman, and Griffin himself. The narrator's tone is largely objective and descriptive, presenting the events as they unfold with a degree of suspense and wonder. This viewpoint is crucial for building the mystery around Griffin and his discovery. The narrator also injects moments of humour and irony, particularly when describing the reactions of other characters to the inexplicable events. This narrative style keeps the reader engaged, allowing them to piece together the puzzle of Griffin's invisibility and his subsequent actions alongside the characters.

Remember

When analyzing literary devices, always provide the exact quote from the text to support your point. Simply naming a device without textual evidence is insufficient.

Exam-smart

You might be given an extract from the story and asked to identify the literary devices used and explain their effect. For example, an extract describing the animated furniture could lead to a question about personification and humour, and how they create a sense of chaos and the supernatural.

Vocabulary

Remember

Pay close attention to the context in which a word is used, as its meaning can change. For example, "stock" can refer to inventory, a share in a company, or even soup base, but here it specifically means theatrical supplies.

Exam-smart

Expect questions that ask you to define a word based on its usage in a given sentence from the text. For instance, "Read the following sentence: 'His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him.' What does 'eject' mean in this context?" Your answer should be derived directly from the text's meaning, like "to force him out."

Questions and Answers

Textbook questions

How did the invisible man first become visible? Griffin first became visible when he stepped in some mud, leaving footprints behind him. Later, he made himself visible by putting on clothes, including shoes, an overcoat, and a hat, which he stole from a London store.

Why was he wandering the streets? Griffin was wandering the streets because he had become invisible after performing an experiment. His landlord disliked him, and in revenge, Griffin set his house on fire. To escape unseen, he had to remove his clothes, rendering him invisible but also homeless and naked in the cold winter.

Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric? Mrs Hall finds the scientist, Griffin, eccentric due to his uncommon appearance, his desire for solitude, his refusal to talk, and his irritable temper. She also notes that he arrived at the inn in winter, which was unusual, and he claimed an accident had affected his face.

What curious episode occurs in the study? A curious episode occurred when the clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises in their study. They discovered that the clergyman’s desk had been opened and his housekeeping money was missing. The room appeared empty, with no sign of anyone, despite the money being gone.

What other extraordinary things happen at the inn? At the inn, Griffin’s furniture came alive. Mrs Hall witnessed a hat on the bedpost leap up and dash into her face, and a bedroom chair pushed her and her husband out of the room before slamming and locking the door, convincing her the room was haunted.

Practice for the exam

Short Answer Questions

1. Describe Griffin's initial escape from the London store. After stealing clothes and food from a big London store to escape the winter cold, Griffin was discovered by arriving assistants. Panicked, he quickly removed his newly-found clothes to become invisible again, escaping the chase but leaving him naked and cold once more.

2. Explain the significance of the footprints in the story. The footprints are significant as they are the first visible evidence of Griffin's presence after he becomes invisible. They lead two boys to follow him, highlighting the paradox of an invisible person leaving a tangible trace, and marking the beginning of his public, albeit mysterious, appearances.

3. How did Griffin attempt to hide his identity in Iping? Griffin arrived in the village of Iping in winter, booked two rooms at an inn, and presented himself with bandages around his forehead, dark glasses, a false nose, big bushy side-whiskers, and a large hat. This unusual attire aimed to conceal his invisible nature and the effects of his experiments.

Long Answer Questions

1. Comment on Griffin's character, particularly his "lawless" nature, as depicted in the chapter. Griffin is portrayed as a brilliant but deeply lawless individual. His landlord disliked him, and Griffin retaliated by setting the house on fire. Later, to obtain clothes and food, he robbed a theatrical company and an inn's clergyman. His invisibility amplified his disregard for law and order, allowing him to commit crimes without immediate consequence, demonstrating a selfish and destructive streak.

2. Discuss the events that led to the villagers suspecting Griffin of burglary and the subsequent confrontation. Griffin's sudden appearance of wealth, shortly after admitting he had no money, raised suspicion of burglary. This was compounded by the unexplained theft of the clergyman's money. When confronted by Mrs Hall about her furniture and his mysterious appearances, Griffin became furious and revealed his invisibility, leading to a chaotic struggle with the constable, Jaffers, who was trying to arrest him.

Extract-based Questions

"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. He broke open boxes and wrappers and fitted himself out with warm clothes. Soon, with shoes, an overcoat and a wide-brimmed hat, he became a fully dressed and visible person. In the kitchen of the restaurant he found cold meat and coffee, and he followed up the meal with sweets and wine taken from the grocery store. Finally he settled down to sleep on a pile of quilts."

1. Where does the extract describe Griffin going after leaving the streets? The extract describes Griffin slipping into a big London store for warmth and sustenance after being unable to wander the streets without clothes.

2. What did Griffin do inside the store? Inside the store, Griffin clothed and fed himself without concern for cost, breaking open boxes and wrappers to fit himself out with warm clothes and then eating food from the restaurant and grocery store.

3. What change occurred in Griffin's appearance and state after his actions in the store? After fitting himself out with clothes like shoes, an overcoat, and a hat, Griffin became a fully dressed and visible person. He also found a place to sleep on a pile of quilts.

Remember

The core conflict arises from Griffin's invisibility and his lawless behaviour, which he uses to escape consequences but ultimately leads to his downfall. 🎯 Exam-smart: Source-based questions will likely present an extract detailing Griffin's actions and ask about his motivations, immediate consequences, or character traits. Be prepared to analyze his behaviour in context, such as his disregard for expense or his need for warmth.