FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

Summary of “Footprints Without Feet” (H.G. Wells)

This story is about a scientist named Griffin who discovered a way to make himself invisible. He was a brilliant but lawless scientist who misused his intelligence for selfish purposes.

Griffin invented a substance that could make the human body transparent by changing its refractive index to that of air. To test it, he made himself invisible. However, once invisible, he started committing crimes instead of using his discovery for good.

The Beginning – Footprints in London

The story begins when two boys in London see footprints appearing mysteriously on the wet ground, with no visible person making them. These were the footprints of Griffin, who was walking naked after becoming invisible. People were frightened to see footprints appearing and disappearing.

At a Store and a Shop

As it was winter, Griffin entered a big store to warm himself and wear clothes. He took food, wore clothes, and slept there. But the next morning, when the shop assistants arrived, they caught him. Griffin took off his clothes again and became invisible to escape.

Then, he entered a theatrical company’s shop and stole bandages, a false nose, whiskers, dark glasses, and a hat to look like a normal man. Still, he had no money and no home.

In the Village of Iping

He travelled to the village of Iping, where he took a room at the inn owned by Mrs. Hall, pretending to be a strange scientist. He paid in advance, so Mrs. Hall did not question him much.

After a few days, when his money was over, Griffin stole money from a clergyman’s house. When the theft was investigated, there were no signs of anyone — just footprints without feet! Soon, Mrs. Hall saw some strange happenings in Griffin’s room — a chair moving by itself and doors slamming. She was frightened and thought ghosts haunted the inn.

The End – Arrest and Escape

Later, the police came to arrest Griffin for the burglary. Griffin, in anger, removed his clothes and became invisible once again. Everyone was shocked to see a man disappear before their eyes. He knocked down people and escaped, leaving behind footprints without feet.

Character Sketch of Griffin

• Brilliant but Misguided Scientist: Invented invisibility.

• Selfish and Cruel: Used his power for theft and revenge.

• Reckless: Didn’t think about consequences.

• Symbol of Misused Knowledge: His story shows that knowledge without morality is dangerous.

Important Questions and Answers

1. Who was Griffin?

Ans: Griffin was a brilliant scientist who discovered how to make the human body invisible. However, he misused his power for evil deeds like theft and revenge.

2. Why were the two boys in London surprised and frightened?

Ans: They were surprised and frightened because they saw muddy footprints appearing on the steps without seeing anyone making them.

3. What did Griffin do inside the store?

Ans: Inside the store, Griffin wore warm clothes, ate and drank, and slept comfortably. But when discovered, he became invisible again and escaped.

4. Why did Griffin go to the village of Iping?

Ans: Griffin went to Iping to live quietly and continue his experiments without being disturbed.

5. What strange things happened at the inn?

Ans: Mrs. Hall noticed that Griffin’s room door opened and closed by itself, a chair started moving, and no one was visible — these strange events made her believe ghosts were present.

6. How did Griffin escape when the police tried to arrest him?

Ans: Griffin removed all his clothes and became invisible, hitting people and running away.

7. What lesson do we learn from Griffin’s story?

Ans: The story teaches that scientific discoveries should be used for the benefit of humanity, not for selfish or harmful purposes.

8. Why was Mrs. Hall suspicious of Griffin?

Ans: Mrs. Hall was suspicious because Griffin behaved strangely, kept his face covered, and mysterious happenings took place in his room.

9. What is the significance of the title “Footprints Without Feet”?

Ans: The title refers to the invisible footprints made by Griffin when he walked after becoming invisible. It symbolizes the mystery and misuse of scientific power.

10. Describe Griffin’s character in one paragraph.

Ans: Griffin was a gifted scientist with great knowledge, but he lacked morals. His discovery of invisibility could have been a scientific wonder, but he used it for theft and revenge. His actions caused fear and chaos. He represents how intelligence without ethics leads to destruction.