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Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells is a science fiction story in the Class 10 English Syllabus about an invisible man who creates trouble wherever he goes and how people try to catch him.
It narrates the story of Griffin, a brilliant scientist who discovers the formula for invisibility but misuses his power for selfish and criminal purposes. The story highlights the consequences of unchecked scientific ambition and the ethical dilemmas surrounding power. Through Griffin's journey, the chapter teaches valuable lessons about responsibility and morality.
The Footprints Without Feet Notes will provide a summary and topic-wise details to help students understand what the story is about. Below, we have provided the links to downloadable PDFs of chapter-wise Notes for class 10 English and that too for different categories of marks.
In this Footprints Without Feet Summary of 'Footprints Without Feet, we’ll break down the key points, themes, and takeaways from the story, making it easier to understand and remember for your Class 10 exams.
The story begins with two young boys in London noticing fresh, muddy footprints appearing on the ground without any visible person making them. Startled and curious, they follow the footprints but soon lose track as they disappear. This unusual incident is caused by Griffin, who has made himself invisible through a scientific experiment.
Griffin was a gifted scientist who found a way to alter the body’s refractive index, making it invisible. However, instead of using his knowledge for good, he uses it to commit crimes. He sets fire to his landlord’s house after an argument and then drinks a formula to become invisible, helping him escape. However, being invisible also brings problems—he cannot wear clothes (as they would make him visible) and struggles with the cold, hunger, and loneliness.
Seeking shelter, Griffin sneaks into a London store at night, hoping to find food and clothes. While he enjoys comfort for a while, he makes the mistake of oversleeping and gets discovered by store workers. To escape, he removes all clothing and flees, once again completely invisible.
His troubles continue as he searches for a place to stay. He then breaks into a theatrical shop, stealing clothes, a fake nose, bandages, dark glasses, and a hat to appear normal. With his new disguise, he arrives at the village of Iping and rents an inn room. However, his suspicious behaviour and sudden disappearances make the villagers curious and uneasy.
Over time, the innkeeper, Mrs. Hall, notices strange events—furniture moving on its own and doors opening and closing mysteriously. As suspicions grow, Griffin starts losing his temper and, in an outburst, reveals his invisibility. The villagers, terrified, try to capture him, but Griffin removes his clothes and escapes, becoming invisible once more.
Griffin’s story is a cautionary tale about how uncontrolled scientific discovery, when used irresponsibly, can lead to personal destruction. His misuse of power makes him a fugitive, feared rather than respected.
1. Griffin’s discovery of invisibility could have been a breakthrough for humanity, but instead of using it responsibly, he resorts to crime. This shows that scientific advancements must be guided by moral values.
2. Griffin burns his landlord’s house, steals from stores, and terrorizes villagers, thinking his invisibility will protect him. However, every reckless act leads him into deeper trouble, proving that every action has consequences.
3. While Griffin gains the power of invisibility, he loses his connection to society. His inability to interact with others forces him into a life of secrecy, loneliness, and fear.
4. Griffin could have used his scientific knowledge for good, but his greed and impulsiveness turn him into an outcast. His refusal to think about the consequences of his actions eventually leads to his downfall.
5. Griffin assumes he is invincible, but he underestimates the challenges of being invisible. His failure to plan—such as forgetting he would leave footprints or needing clothes in winter—exposes his flaws and makes survival difficult.
6. The villagers in Iping react with fear and suspicion to Griffin’s invisibility. This shows how people often fear what they don’t understand, leading to panic and hostility.
7. Griffin’s anger and lack of patience lead to rash decisions, such as attacking Mrs. Hall and revealing his secret. His inability to remain calm ultimately forces him to live on the run.
8. Griffin initially believes that invisibility will give him limitless freedom. However, it only creates more struggles. He cannot enjoy food, warmth, or human connection, showing that shortcuts to power often come with hidden difficulties.
1. Abuse of Power: Griffin misuses his scientific discovery for selfish gains, ultimately leading to his downfall.
2. Isolation: His invisibility cuts him off from society, making him lonely and desperate.
3. Science and Ethics: The story raises questions about whether scientific advancements should be pursued without moral responsibility.
"The air was bitterly cold and he could not do without clothes. Instead of walking about the streets, he decided to slip into a big London store for warmth."
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"He had chosen a bad time to enter the store, and soon, when the assistants arrived in the morning, they found the door open and footprints where none should be."
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"In the end, a man who had discovered how to make himself invisible was unable to find a way to become visible again."
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🚫 Not understanding the role of invisibility - The story revolves around the invisible man and his actions. Don’t forget to mention how his invisibility creates both chaos and curiosity.
🚫 Confusing the scientific explanation with the plot - Many students focus too much on the scientific details of invisibility. Keep the focus on how it affects the plot and the characters involved.
🚫 Overlooking the moral of the story - The story teaches a lesson about the consequences of misusing power. Make sure to mention this moral when explaining the plot.
🚫 Skipping the ending twist - The ending, where the invisible man is caught, is crucial. Don’t forget to discuss how the plot concludes with his arrest and the impact it has on the story.
🚫 Misinterpreting the character of Griffin - Griffin, the invisible man, isn’t just a villain; he’s a complex character driven by his desire for power. Be sure to explain his motivations clearly.
Footprints Without Feet is a very interesting story that blends science fiction with moral lessons. It teaches students about the results that unchecked ambition and the importance of ethical responsibilities can lead to. By studying this chapter thoroughly, students can not only increase and improve their literature skills but also gain really important life lessons about the impact of power and knowledge. Happy Learning!
Answer: Griffin was a brilliant but eccentric scientist who discovered a way to make the human body invisible. He experimented on himself and successfully became invisible, but he used his power for selfish and criminal purposes.
Answer: After becoming invisible, Griffin had no clothes, no shelter, and no money. Instead of using his invention wisely, he started stealing food, clothes, and money to survive, showing his moral downfall.
Answer: The title refers to the invisible footprints left by Griffin in the snow when he walked unseen. These footprints created mystery and fear, symbolizing the strange and dangerous nature of his invisibility.
Answer: People were shocked, terrified, and confused by the strange events caused by Griffin’s invisible presence. His actions created panic wherever he went, as no one could see or catch him easily.
Answer: The story conveys that scientific discoveries must be used responsibly. Griffin’s misuse of science led to his isolation and downfall. It also warns against the dangers of unchecked ambition and lack of ethics.
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