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    5. Footprints Without Feet - Class 10 - Footprints

    Updated: Jun 8

    Author: H.G. Wells Textbook: Footprints Without Feet  Genre: Science Fiction

    Mind Map (Click on the panel to expand)

    Listen to a quick Hindi audio summary below for better understanding.

    📝 Summary

    Griffin, a brilliant but eccentric scientist, discovers a way to make the human body invisible by altering its refractive index. However, instead of using his invention responsibly, he misuses it for criminal purposes.

    The story begins in London, where two boys observe footprints appearing in the snow without any feet. These belong to Griffin, who is invisible. He had just escaped after setting fire to his landlord’s house in revenge for being evicted.

    To survive, Griffin steals food, clothing, and money. Eventually, he arrives at a village called Iping, where he checks into an inn. His strange appearance and secretive nature cause suspicion among the villagers. When they attempt to confront him, Griffin escapes by becoming invisible again.

    The story ends with Griffin on the run, symbolizing the dangers of scientific discovery when it is used without moral responsibility.

    👤 Character Sketch: Griffin

    • Brilliant: Invented a way to become invisible

    • Reckless: Used his invention for personal gain and crime

    • Vengeful: Burns his landlord’s house

    • Antisocial: Isolated, angry, and unfriendly

    • Lawless: Robs, threatens, and harms people

    • Symbolic: Represents science without ethics

    📚 Themes

    Theme

    Description

    Abuse of Science

    Griffin misuses his discovery for selfish gain

    Power vs. Responsibility

    Intelligence alone is not enough — morals matter

    Isolation

    Griffin’s invisibility causes social and emotional detachment

    Fear of the Unknown

    Villagers fear what they don’t understand

    Consequences of Crime

    Griffin is constantly on the run due to his misdeeds

    ✨ Literary Devices

    Device

    Example / Function

    Imagery

    Footprints forming without feet in the snow

    Irony

    A genius uses science not to help, but to harm

    Symbolism

    Invisibility = unchecked power; Footprints = consequences

    Suspense

    Readers are constantly guessing Griffin’s next move

    Narrative Twist

    Griffin is both the creator and victim of his own downfall

    📖 Title Justification

    The title Footprints Without Feet is both literal and symbolic. It refers to Griffin’s invisible presence, as people see his footprints but not the person. It also symbolizes how our actions leave a trace, even when we try to hide.

    ✅ One Mark Questions (Question + Answer Format)

    Q1. What was Griffin’s profession? 👉 Griffin was a scientist.

    Q2. What unusual event did the boys see in the beginning? 👉 The boys saw footprints appearing in the snow even though no one was visible.

    Q3. Why did Griffin set his landlord’s house on fire? 👉 Griffin set his landlord’s house on fire to take revenge for being evicted.

    Q4. How did Griffin become invisible? 👉 Griffin became invisible by inventing a formula that changed the refractive index of his body to match that of air.

    Q5. What made the people of Iping suspicious of Griffin? 👉 The people of Iping became suspicious of Griffin because of his strange appearance and secretive behavior.

    ✅ Three Mark Questions

    Q1. Why did Griffin misuse his invention? 👉 Griffin used his invisibility to rob, threaten, and harm people instead of helping others. He let his anger and greed take over, showing that scientific brilliance without ethics can be dangerous.

    Q2. How was Griffin eventually exposed and chased? 👉 His strange behavior at the Iping inn and his sudden disappearances made villagers suspicious. When they tried to confront him, he removed his clothes and escaped, revealing he was invisible.

    Q3. What does Griffin’s character teach us? 👉 It teaches that intelligence must be guided by morals. Griffin's misuse of science for crime shows that brilliance alone does not make a good person. His downfall is a warning against unethical behavior.

    🧠 Value-Based Question

    Q. Why is Griffin’s story a warning for modern science and society? 👉 The story shows that scientific discoveries can become dangerous if used without a sense of ethics and responsibility. Griffin represents how misusing knowledge can harm society and oneself. It’s a message that power must come with control and purpose.

    END


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