The Invisible Man | H.G. Wells

“The Invisible Man” is a science fiction novel written by H.G. Wells and published in 1897. It tells the story of a scientist who discovers the secret of invisibility and the consequences that follow. Here is a summary of the book:

“The Invisible Man” follows the journey of Griffin, a brilliant but eccentric scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible. After conducting a series of experiments on himself, he successfully renders his body invisible but struggles to reverse the process. As a result, Griffin becomes the invisible man.

Griffin, now invisible, faces numerous challenges as he navigates society. He encounters suspicion, fear, and hostility from others who cannot comprehend his invisible state. He seeks shelter in the small town of Iping, where he rents a room at the local inn.

As Griffin’s invisibility becomes known, chaos ensues, and the townspeople grow increasingly paranoid. Griffin’s actions become increasingly desperate and unpredictable as he seeks to regain his visibility or wreak havoc upon those who oppose him. He resorts to theft and violence, causing fear and confusion among the townsfolk.

While struggling with his condition, Griffin’s moral descent becomes evident. His invisibility offers him a sense of power and anonymity, leading him to act with reckless abandon. He becomes consumed by his desire to reclaim his visibility and exact revenge on those who have wronged him.

A relentless pursuit ensues as Griffin’s actions draw the attention of the authorities and a host of people who aim to capture or exploit him. As the invisible man’s reign of terror intensifies, the novel delves into themes of identity, morality, and the limits of scientific progress.

Ultimately, Griffin’s pursuit of power and the consequences of his actions culminate in a dramatic and tragic climax. The invisible man’s fate serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of unchecked scientific experimentation and the destructive potential of human ambition.

“The Invisible Man” is a gripping and thought-provoking novel that explores themes of identity, societal rejection, and the ethical implications of scientific discovery. It continues to be celebrated as a classic work of science fiction and a significant contribution to H.G. Wells’ literary legacy.

Biography of H.G. Wells

Herbert George Wells, known as H.G. Wells, was born on September 21, 1866, in Bromley, Kent, England. He was an English writer and is considered one of the pioneers of science fiction.

Wells had a challenging childhood, and despite financial constraints, he pursued his education. He attended Thomas Morley’s Commercial Academy and later won a scholarship to study at the Normal School of Science (now the Royal College of Science) in London. Wells was deeply interested in science, which greatly influenced his writings.

Wells began his writing career as a journalist, writing for various newspapers and periodicals. He gained recognition with the publication of his first novel, “The Time Machine,” in 1895. This novel, along with other works like “The War of the Worlds” (1898), “The Invisible Man” (1897), and “The Island of Doctor Moreau” (1896), established him as a leading figure in the genre of science fiction.

Throughout his career, Wells explored a wide range of topics in his writings, including social commentary, politics, and human nature. He used his works as a platform to critique various aspects of society and to present his progressive ideas.

Aside from science fiction, Wells also wrote in other genres, including history, social realism, and satire. Some of his notable non-science fiction works include “The History of Mr Polly” (1910), “Kipps” (1905), and “Tono-Bungay” (1909).

Wells’s impact on the literary world is significant. His works continue to be read and studied, and he is regarded as one of the fathers of science fiction. Wells passed away on August 13, 1946, leaving behind a rich literary legacy that has inspired generations of writers and readers.

Themes

Identity and Isolation: The theme of identity is central to the novel. The invisible man grapples with his loss of identity and the isolation that comes with his invisibility. He struggles with the disconnect between his physical state and his sense of self, leading to a profound psychological impact.

Power and Corruption: The novel explores the theme of power and the corrupting influence it can have on individuals. The invisible man, once endowed with this extraordinary power, becomes increasingly unhinged and abuses his newfound abilities, leading to destructive and immoral behavior.

Societal Rejection and Fear: The invisible man’s condition highlights the theme of societal rejection and fear of the unknown. Society’s reaction to his invisibility ranges from suspicion to outright hostility, mirroring broader themes of intolerance and prejudice towards those who are different.

Ethics and Morality: The novel raises ethical questions surrounding scientific discovery and experimentation. Griffin’s quest for invisibility, while driven by curiosity and ambition, ultimately leads to moral degradation and the disregard for the well-being of others.

Social and Political Commentary: “The Invisible Man” offers social and political commentary on the class structure and power dynamics of the time. It reflects Wells’ concerns about the exploitation of the working class and the potential consequences of unchecked scientific advancement.

The Quest for Power and Control: The invisible man’s actions can be seen as a representation of the human desire for power and control. His journey serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ambition and the moral responsibility that comes with wielding power.

Loss of Humanity and Empathy: As the invisible man becomes increasingly invisible to others, he loses touch with his own humanity and struggles to empathize with the experiences and suffering of those around him. The theme of empathy, or the lack thereof, underscores the moral degradation caused by his invisibility.

Criticisms

Thin Characterization: Some critics argue that the characters in the novel, aside from the invisible man himself, lack depth and development. Secondary characters are often seen as flat and serving mainly as plot devices.

Racial Stereotypes: The novel has been criticized for its portrayal of certain racial and ethnic characters, with some seeing them as perpetuating stereotypes of the time. For example, the character of Marvel, a tramp, has been seen as embodying negative stereotypes of lower-class individuals.

Lack of Emotional Engagement: Some readers and critics find it challenging to emotionally connect with the characters or become fully invested in their fates. The focus on the scientific and speculative elements of the story may detract from the emotional resonance.

Questionable Ethics: Wells’ portrayal of scientific experimentation and the pursuit of power has been criticized for its potentially problematic ethical implications. Some argue that the novel does not sufficiently address the moral consequences of the invisible man’s actions.

Pacing and Structure: A few critics have commented on the pacing and structure of the novel. They find certain sections slow or repetitive, while others believe the story could benefit from tighter pacing and more streamlined narrative structure.

Summary of The Invisible Man

Quotes

“An invisible man is a man of power.”

“It’s simple, and obvious, and straightforward. Seeing’s believing, and that’s why you can’t believe me.”

“I’m invisible. And I don’t know quite what to do.”

“The fact is, I was invisible. It’s queer to have brought you out here to-night to show you something invisible, but I had only one way.”

“There are things that are done in the best circles and a man doesn’t need to believe in a thing to do it.”

“To do such a thing would be to transcend magic. And I beheld, unclouded by doubt, a magnificent vision of all that invisibility might mean to a man.”

“For the first time in my life I began to feel a great disgust at my disregard of the aims of my studies.”

“I meditated upon my crime. I had a vague idea of going on to my own house, and that was as much motive as I had.”

“It is a law of nature we overlook, that intellectual versatility is the compensation for change, danger, and trouble.”

“The Invisible Man amused himself for a little while by breaking all the windows in the ‘Coach and Horses,’ and then he thrust a street lamp through the parlour window of Mrs. Gribble.”

Chapters

Chapter 1: The novel opens with the arrival of a mysterious stranger, wrapped in bandages, at the Coach and Horses inn in the small village of Iping. The stranger rents a room and exhibits peculiar behavior, arousing the curiosity and suspicion of the innkeeper and villagers.

Chapter 2: The villagers grow increasingly suspicious of the stranger, who remains secluded in his room. They suspect he may be disfigured or involved in criminal activities. Mr. Marvel, a local tramp, encounters the stranger and becomes embroiled in his strange plans.

Chapter 3: Mr. Marvel becomes the invisible man’s unwilling accomplice as the stranger reveals his ability to turn himself invisible. He forces Mr. Marvel to assist him in retrieving some belongings and supplies for his experiments.

Chapter 4: The invisible man, now revealed as Dr. Griffin, recounts his backstory to Mr. Marvel. He explains his experiments in optics and his discovery of the formula to achieve invisibility. Griffin describes how he tested the formula on himself, resulting in his current state.

Chapter 5: Driven by a desire for power and revenge, Griffin reveals his plans to terrorize the village and establish a reign of terror. He seeks to recover some books and equipment left behind in his former lodgings in London, believing they hold the key to reversing his invisibility.

Chapter 6: The invisible man, now in possession of his books and equipment, sets up a secret laboratory in a rented house in London. He continues his experiments in an attempt to reverse his invisibility but faces challenges and frustrations.

Chapter 7: Dr. Kemp, an old acquaintance of Griffin’s, receives a letter from the invisible man, revealing his true identity and intentions. Griffin seeks an ally in Kemp and wishes to share his plans for establishing a “Reign of Terror” together.

Chapter 8: Dr. Kemp becomes increasingly fearful and conflicted about aligning himself with the invisible man’s violent plans. He contemplates his options and realizes the dangers that come with being associated with Griffin.

Chapter 9: Griffin carries out a series of acts of terror and violence in pursuit of his goals. He reveals his invisibility to the public and creates panic and chaos in the streets. The authorities and the public become determined to capture him.

Chapter 10: Dr. Kemp, fearing for his life, contacts the authorities and reveals Griffin’s plans. A manhunt ensues, with the police and a mob of villagers searching for the invisible man. Griffin, realizing he is being pursued, becomes increasingly desperate and unhinged.

Chapter 11: The invisible man, now pursued by the authorities and a growing mob, seeks refuge in the home of his former associate, Dr. Kemp. He confronts Kemp and demands his allegiance, threatening him with dire consequences if he refuses.

Chapter 12: Dr. Kemp, driven by fear and a desire to protect himself, agrees to assist the invisible man but secretly contacts the authorities to alert them to Griffin’s whereabouts. He provides them with information on Griffin’s plans and his next intended target.

Chapter 13: The invisible man and Dr. Kemp discuss their plans for terrorizing the town and establishing their rule. However, Griffin grows increasingly suspicious of Kemp’s loyalty, sensing his betrayal.

Chapter 14: The authorities, aware of Griffin’s location, surround the house where he is hiding. The invisible man realizes he has been betrayed by Kemp and becomes enraged, vowing revenge against him.

Chapter 15: A fierce battle ensues between the invisible man and the authorities. Griffin, cornered and outnumbered, is shot and injured multiple times. As he succumbs to his wounds, his invisibility begins to fade, revealing his dying form to the astonished onlookers.

Chapter 16: The authorities and onlookers gather around the dying Griffin, their curiosity piqued by the revelation of his invisibility. As he takes his last breaths, Griffin’s body becomes visible once again, leaving the crowd astonished.

Chapter 17: Dr. Kemp, plagued by guilt and remorse, reflects on his involvement with Griffin and the consequences of his betrayal. He grapples with his actions and the part he played in the events that unfolded.

Chapter 18: News of Griffin’s death spreads, and the invisible man’s reign of terror becomes a subject of public fascination and speculation. The authorities conduct investigations into his experiments and try to understand the nature of his invisibility.

Chapter 19: Dr. Kemp finds himself haunted by nightmares and visions of Griffin, tormented by the guilt of his actions. He struggles to come to terms with his involvement and the moral implications of his choices.

Chapter 20: Dr. Kemp receives a letter from Griffin’s father, revealing the troubled background and upbringing of the invisible man. The letter provides insight into Griffin’s descent into madness and his obsession with power and control.

Chapter 21: The novel shifts focus to Marvel, the tramp who had unwittingly become involved with the invisible man. Marvel seizes the opportunity to profit from his association with Griffin by becoming a public figure and showcasing the invisible man’s belongings.

Chapter 22: Marvel finds himself pursued by individuals who want to acquire the invisible man’s belongings for themselves. He becomes entangled in a series of confrontations and escapes, navigating the dangers of his newfound notoriety.

Chapter 23: Marvel eventually finds refuge in the town of Port Burdock, where he tries to sell the invisible man’s belongings to the local vicar. However, the vicar recognizes the danger and refuses to get involved.

Chapter 24: Marvel continues his journey, realizing that the invisible man’s possessions have become a burden and a source of constant threat. He contemplates the possibility of disposing of the items to escape the danger they attract.

Chapter 25: Marvel seeks assistance from the authorities, revealing his association with the invisible man and the circumstances surrounding Griffin’s death. He hopes that by confessing his involvement, he can finally find safety and peace.

Chapter 26: As Marvel seeks assistance from the authorities, he encounters Colonel Adye, who recognizes his association with the invisible man. Adye interrogates Marvel, trying to extract information about the invisible man’s abilities and whereabouts.

Chapter 27: Adye and Marvel are joined by a group of policemen as they set out to capture the invisible man. They employ various tactics and equipment to try to locate and apprehend him, using smoke and flour to reveal his presence.

Chapter 28: The authorities track down the invisible man to an abandoned house, where they corner him. In the ensuing chaos, the invisible man is shot and killed by a policeman, finally putting an end to his reign of terror.

These final chapters depict the efforts of the authorities, led by Colonel Adye, to capture the invisible man and bring him to justice. The use of innovative strategies and technologies reflects the determination to overcome the invisible man’s elusive nature. The climax of the story arrives with the dramatic confrontation and the eventual demise of the invisible man, marking the resolution of the narrative’s central conflict.