Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Chapter 5 Question Answer | Footprints without Feet
Welcome to HSLC Guru. In this article, we provide a complete set of questions and answers for Class 10 English Footprints without Feet (Supplementary Reader) Chapter 5 – Footprints without Feet by H.G. Wells. This chapter is an important part of the ASSEB (Assam State Board of Secondary Education) Class 10 English syllabus. Here you will find the summary, textbook solutions (Think about it and Talk about it), additional short and long answer questions, MCQs, extract-based questions, and value-based questions to help you prepare thoroughly for your HSLC examination.
Summary of Footprints without Feet
“Footprints without Feet” is a story adapted from H.G. Wells’ famous novel “The Invisible Man.” It tells the tale of Griffin, a brilliant but morally corrupt scientist who discovers a way to make the human body invisible. Griffin had carried out experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally, he swallowed certain rare drugs, and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass, though it remained as solid as before.
The story begins on the streets of London, where two boys notice fresh muddy footprints appearing on the steps of a house. The footprints are of bare feet, and strangely, no person is visible making them. The boys follow the mysterious footprints with great fascination, but eventually the prints grow fainter and fainter and finally disappear altogether. This happens because the invisible Griffin had stepped in mud, which stuck to his bare feet and left impressions as he walked. As the mud wore off, the footprints faded.
Griffin had become invisible after a bitter quarrel with his landlord. In revenge, he set fire to the landlord’s house and then removed all his clothes to become completely invisible and escape without being seen. However, being invisible in the middle of winter in London was extremely difficult. It was bitterly cold, and without clothes or money, Griffin was homeless and miserable.
Desperate for warmth and food, Griffin entered a big London department store after closing time. He dressed himself in warm clothes from the store, found cold meat and coffee in the kitchen, and helped himself to sweets and wine. He then made a bed of quilts and slept comfortably. However, when the store assistants arrived the next morning, they found Griffin sleeping there. He panicked, ran through the store, and had to quickly remove his newly acquired clothes to become invisible again. He escaped, but was once more naked and freezing in the bitter cold of a London winter.
Griffin then made his way to a theatrical company’s shop on Drury Lane. There, he found the materials he needed to disguise himself. He wrapped his head in bandages so that only his nose was visible, wore dark glasses, a false nose, large bushy side-whiskers, and a wide-brimmed hat. He also attacked the shopkeeper from behind and robbed him of all his money. With this stolen money and his new disguise, Griffin decided to leave London.
He took a train to the village of Iping, where he booked two rooms at the local inn run by Mrs. Hall. His arrival in winter was unusual, as visitors typically came in summer. He told Mrs. Hall that he was a scientist and that he had come to Iping for solitude so he could work on his experiments without being disturbed. He also claimed that an accident had damaged his face, which was why he wore bandages. Mrs. Hall initially considered him an eccentric scientist because of his strange appearance and his refusal to talk or socialize. However, she tolerated him because he had paid his rent in advance.
Soon, Griffin’s stolen money ran out. A curious episode took place at the clergyman’s house. Very early one morning, the clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises in the study. They heard the sound of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. When the clergyman opened the study door with a poker in his hand, he found nobody there, yet the desk was open and the housekeeping money was missing. This burglary had been committed by the invisible Griffin.
Strange things then began happening at the inn. The Halls found the scientist’s room empty even though the door was locked. His clothes and bandages were scattered around the room. Suddenly, Mrs. Hall’s hat leaped off the bedpost and dashed itself into her face, and a chair rose in the air and pushed her and Mr. Hall out of the room. The door then slammed and locked itself. Mrs. Hall became convinced that the room was haunted by spirits and that the stranger had somehow brought them into her furniture.
When the neighbours learned about the burglary at the clergyman’s house, suspicion fell on the strange scientist. Mrs. Hall confronted Griffin and demanded an explanation for the mysterious events. Griffin lost his temper and threw off his bandages, glasses, whiskers, and false nose, revealing himself to be a completely headless man. The people in the bar were horrified. The village constable, Mr. Jaffers, was called to arrest him. But Griffin had already begun removing his clothes, becoming more and more invisible. Jaffers tried to hold on to the invisible man, but he was knocked unconscious by blows from an unseen force. Griffin had escaped once again, leaving the people of Iping bewildered and terrified.
Think about it (Textbook Questions and Answers)
Q1. How did the invisible man first become visible?
Ans: The invisible man, Griffin, first became visible when he accidentally stepped in some mud while walking on the streets of London. The mud stuck to his bare feet and left fresh muddy footprints on the steps of a house. Two boys spotted these footprints of bare feet appearing one after another on the steps, with no person visible making them. They followed the mysterious impressions with great fascination until the footprints grew fainter and fainter as the mud wore off and finally disappeared. This is how Griffin’s invisible presence was first detected, though his body itself was never seen.
Q2. Why was he wandering the streets?
Ans: Griffin was wandering the streets because he had nowhere to go. He had set fire to his landlord’s house after a bitter quarrel, and in order to escape without being seen, he had removed all his clothes. This made him completely invisible but also left him homeless, without clothing and without any money. The season was mid-winter, and the air was bitterly cold. He was wandering the streets of London, shivering and suffering, looking for shelter, warmth, and food. His invisibility, which should have been a great advantage, had become a curse because he could not wear clothes or enter buildings without attracting attention.
Q3. Why does he decide to slip into a big London store?
Ans: Griffin decided to slip into a big London store because the season was mid-winter and he was freezing cold without any clothes. Wandering around the streets of London naked was becoming unbearable. He needed warmth, food, and clothing desperately. The big London store provided him with everything he needed. After the store closed and all the customers and staff had left, Griffin was able to dress himself in warm clothes, find cold meat and coffee to eat, help himself to sweets and wine, and sleep comfortably on a pile of quilts. The store was the perfect shelter for the desperate invisible man.
Q4. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.
Ans: Griffin was indeed a lawless person who showed a complete disregard for the law and the rights of others. His actions throughout the story demonstrate this clearly. First, he set fire to his landlord’s house simply to get revenge after a quarrel, showing no concern for the destruction of property. Second, he stole clothes and food from a big London department store without paying for them. Third, he went to a theatrical company’s shop on Drury Lane, attacked the shopkeeper from behind, and robbed him of all his money. Fourth, he stole money from the clergyman’s desk in the village of Iping. Fifth, when confronted by Mrs. Hall, he threw furniture at her. Finally, he assaulted and knocked unconscious the village constable, Mr. Jaffers, who had come to arrest him. Despite being a brilliant scientist, Griffin used his extraordinary discovery only for selfish and criminal purposes, never once thinking of using it for the benefit of society. He was, without doubt, a lawless person.
Q5. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
Ans: As a scientist, Griffin was undoubtedly brilliant. He had carried out experiment after experiment and finally succeeded in discovering a rare drug that could make the human body transparent as a sheet of glass. This was an extraordinary scientific achievement that demonstrated his exceptional intellect, dedication, and perseverance. Very few scientists could have accomplished what Griffin did. However, as a person and as a responsible member of society, Griffin was a complete failure. He did not use his remarkable discovery for the benefit of humanity or the advancement of science. Instead, he used it for selfish purposes such as stealing, destroying property, attacking people, and terrorising an entire village. A true scientist should use his knowledge and discoveries for the welfare of society. Griffin used his genius only for personal gain and criminal activities. Therefore, while Griffin was a brilliant scientist in terms of his intellectual ability, he was morally bankrupt and ethically irresponsible. He is a tragic example of how science, when placed in the wrong hands, can become destructive rather than constructive.
Talk about it (Textbook Questions and Answers)
Q1. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages can you think of that would result from being invisible?
Ans: The idea of becoming invisible is both exciting and frightening. On one hand, there would be certain advantages. An invisible person could move freely without being noticed and could observe things and people without being detected. This could be useful for law enforcement, national security, or scientific research. One could help catch criminals, gather intelligence, or study animal behaviour without disturbing the natural environment.
However, the disadvantages far outweigh the advantages. The biggest disadvantage would be complete social isolation and loneliness. An invisible person would not be able to interact normally with family, friends, or society. People would be terrified of an invisible being. One would lose all social connections and human companionship. Furthermore, as Griffin’s story shows, invisibility can tempt a person into criminal activities such as theft and assault. There is also the practical problem of surviving without being able to wear clothes, eat in public, or live in a normal house. Being invisible would essentially mean living outside the boundaries of normal human life. Therefore, most people would not genuinely want to be invisible, as the price of losing one’s identity and social existence is far too high.
Q2. Are there forces around us that are invisible, for example, magnetism? Are there aspects of matter that are ‘invisible’ to the eye? What makes them invisible?
Ans: Yes, there are many forces and aspects of matter around us that are invisible to the naked eye. Magnetism is one such force. We cannot see a magnetic field, but we can observe its effects when it attracts iron filings or makes a compass needle point north. Similarly, gravitational force is invisible, yet it keeps us grounded on the earth and causes objects to fall. Electromagnetic waves such as radio waves, microwaves, X-rays, ultraviolet rays, and infrared rays are all invisible to the human eye, though they have powerful effects and are used extensively in modern technology. Sound waves are also invisible. We hear sound but cannot see the waves that carry it. At the microscopic level, atoms and molecules, the building blocks of all matter, are invisible to the naked eye. Air and other gases are invisible, yet they are essential for life. These things are invisible because the human eye can only detect a narrow band of the electromagnetic spectrum known as visible light. Anything that does not reflect or emit light in this visible range remains invisible to our eyes, even though it may be very real and very powerful.
Q3. What would life be like if you could see atoms and molecules? Would it be confusing? Why?
Ans: If we could see atoms and molecules, life would be extremely confusing and practically impossible to live normally. Everything we see would be an overwhelming mass of tiny particles in constant motion. The air around us would no longer appear transparent but would be filled with trillions of moving molecules of nitrogen, oxygen, carbon dioxide, and water vapour. Solid objects like walls, tables, and books would appear as vast collections of vibrating atoms rather than smooth, solid surfaces. Our own bodies would look like complex arrangements of billions of atoms and molecules in constant chemical reaction. It would be almost impossible to focus on anything because the sheer number of particles everywhere would create visual chaos. We would not be able to distinguish between objects easily. Simple tasks like reading, walking, or recognising faces would become extremely difficult. Nature has wisely designed our eyes to see objects at a macro level rather than at the atomic level, allowing us to function normally in our daily lives. If we needed to see atoms and molecules, we have scientific instruments like electron microscopes that serve this purpose without disrupting our everyday vision.
Short Answer Type Questions (2-3 Marks)
Q1. Why were the two boys in London surprised and fascinated?
Ans: The two boys in London were surprised and fascinated because they saw fresh muddy footprints appearing on the steps of a house, one after another. The footprints were of bare feet, but no person was visible making them. The mysterious footprints seemed to appear from nowhere and continued down the steps and along the road. The boys had never seen anything like it before, and they followed the footprints in amazement until they grew fainter and finally disappeared.
Q2. What did Griffin do inside the big London store?
Ans: After entering the big London store, Griffin made himself comfortable. He found warm clothes and dressed himself in a long overcoat, shoes, and a wide-brimmed hat. He went to the kitchen and found cold meat and coffee, which he ate and drank. He also helped himself to sweets and wine. Finally, he made himself a bed of quilts and slept soundly. He was living a comfortable life until the store assistants arrived the next morning and discovered him.
Q3. How did Griffin escape from the London store?
Ans: When the store assistants arrived the next morning, they found Griffin sleeping on a pile of quilts. As they tried to catch him, Griffin panicked and began running through the store. The assistants chased him. To escape, Griffin quickly took off all the clothes he had put on, including the overcoat, shoes, and hat. Once he was naked, he became invisible again and was able to escape from the store without being caught. However, he was once more left without clothes in the bitter cold.
Q4. What did Griffin do at the theatrical company’s shop on Drury Lane?
Ans: At the theatrical company’s shop on Drury Lane, Griffin found the items he needed to disguise his invisible body. He took bandages to wrap around his forehead, dark glasses to cover his eyes, a false nose, large bushy side-whiskers, and a wide-brimmed hat. These items helped hide his empty space above his shoulders and gave him a human-like appearance. He also callously attacked the shopkeeper from behind, knocked him unconscious, and robbed him of all his money.
Q5. Why did Griffin go to the village of Iping?
Ans: Griffin went to the village of Iping because he wanted to get away from the crowded city of London where he was more likely to be discovered. He needed a quiet, isolated place where he could live in solitude and continue his experiments without being disturbed. The small village of Iping provided the perfect setting for this purpose. He booked two rooms at the local inn and told Mrs. Hall that he was a scientist who had come for peace and quiet.
Q6. Why did Mrs. Hall consider the scientist to be eccentric?
Ans: Mrs. Hall considered the scientist to be eccentric for several reasons. First, his arrival at the inn during winter was unusual, as visitors normally came in summer. Second, his appearance was very strange with his head wrapped in bandages, dark glasses, and a false nose. Third, he refused to talk or socialise with anyone and demanded complete solitude. Fourth, he told her that an accident had affected his face and that he did not want to be disturbed. His secretive behaviour, bizarre appearance, and anti-social nature all made Mrs. Hall think he was an eccentric scientist.
Q7. Describe the curious episode that took place in the clergyman’s study.
Ans: Very early one morning, the clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises coming from the study. They heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. The clergyman crept downstairs with a poker in his hand. He flung open the study door and said, “Surrender!” But to his astonishment, the room appeared to be empty. He looked under the desk, behind the curtain, and even up the chimney, but found nobody. Yet the desk had been opened and the housekeeping money was missing. The clergyman called it an “extraordinary affair.” The money had been stolen by the invisible Griffin.
Q8. What extraordinary things happened at the inn when the Halls entered the scientist’s room?
Ans: When the Halls found the scientist’s door open, they entered the room and discovered that it was apparently empty. The scientist’s clothes and bandages were lying scattered about the room, and the bedclothes were cold, showing that he had been up for some time. Suddenly, extraordinary things began to happen. Mrs. Hall’s hat leaped off the bedpost and dashed itself into her face. Then a chair rose in the air and came charging straight at her legs. She and Mr. Hall were pushed out of the room by the moving furniture. The bedroom door slammed shut and locked itself. Mrs. Hall was convinced that her furniture was haunted by spirits.
Q9. Why did Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house?
Ans: Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house as an act of revenge. His landlord had tried to eject him from the house, which angered Griffin greatly. Being a lawless and short-tempered person, Griffin decided to take revenge by setting fire to the landlord’s property. After doing so, he removed all his clothes to become invisible and escaped from the burning house without being caught. This act of arson was one of the many criminal acts that showed Griffin’s lawless character.
Q10. How did Griffin become a homeless wanderer?
Ans: Griffin became a homeless wanderer after he set fire to his landlord’s house in revenge. To escape from the scene without being identified, he had to remove all his clothes and become completely invisible. However, this left him without any clothes, without a home, and without money. It was the middle of winter in London, and the air was bitterly cold. With no shelter, no clothing, and no money, Griffin was forced to wander the cold streets of London as a homeless person, desperately searching for food, warmth, and shelter.
Q11. Who was Constable Jaffers? What was his surprise?
Ans: Constable Jaffers was the village police officer of Iping who was called to arrest the strange scientist after the mysterious events at the inn and the suspicion of burglary. His surprise came when he tried to arrest Griffin. As Jaffers attempted to hold the scientist, Griffin started removing his clothes and bandages, becoming more and more invisible. Jaffers found himself in the extraordinary situation of trying to arrest a man who was becoming invisible before his eyes. He struggled to hold on to a person he could not see, and was eventually knocked unconscious by blows from an unseen force. It was a completely unprecedented challenge for a village constable.
Q12. What was Griffin’s explanation for his strange appearance?
Ans: When Griffin arrived at the inn in Iping, Mrs. Hall was curious about his heavily bandaged face and dark glasses. Griffin told her that he was a scientist and that he had suffered an accident that had damaged his face. He said that this was the reason he wore bandages over his face. He also told her that he wanted to live in solitude and did not wish to be disturbed, as he needed peace and quiet for his scientific work. Mrs. Hall accepted this explanation, although she still considered him to be an eccentric scientist.
Q13. How did the people at the inn react when Griffin revealed his invisibility?
Ans: When Griffin lost his temper and threw off his bandages, dark glasses, false nose, and whiskers, the people at the inn were horrified and terrified. They saw before them a headless man. Mrs. Hall, who had confronted him about the mysterious events, was shocked beyond belief. The people in the bar screamed and panicked. When Constable Jaffers arrived to arrest him, Griffin removed more of his clothing, becoming progressively more invisible. The people were bewildered and frightened as they watched a man disappear before their very eyes. It was a scene of complete chaos and terror.
Q14. What scientific discovery had Griffin made? How did he achieve it?
Ans: Griffin had made the extraordinary scientific discovery that the human body could be made invisible. He had carried out experiment after experiment over a long period of time. Finally, he discovered certain rare drugs that, when swallowed, could make the human body as transparent as a sheet of glass, though it remained as solid as before. When Griffin swallowed these drugs, his body became completely invisible. One could see through him as through glass, but he was still physically present and solid. This was a remarkable and unprecedented scientific achievement.
Q15. Why did Mrs. Hall initially tolerate the scientist’s strange behaviour?
Ans: Mrs. Hall initially tolerated the scientist’s strange behaviour mainly because he had paid his rent in advance. As the owner of the inn, she was happy to have a paying guest, especially during winter when visitors were rare. Although she found his appearance strange with his bandaged face and dark glasses, and his behaviour odd with his refusal to socialise and his demand for complete solitude, the fact that he had money and paid promptly made her willing to overlook his eccentricities. She considered him merely an eccentric scientist and was content as long as the bills were being paid.
Q16. How did Griffin’s invisibility become more of a curse than a blessing?
Ans: Griffin’s invisibility became more of a curse than a blessing because it created far more problems than it solved. While invisible, he could not wear clothes or he would become partially visible, which meant he was exposed to the bitter cold of winter. He could not live in a house or room without arousing suspicion. He could not eat in public or interact normally with other people. He had no source of income and had to resort to theft and robbery to survive. He was constantly on the run, unable to settle anywhere for long. His brilliant scientific achievement, instead of bringing him fame and recognition, turned him into a fugitive, a criminal, and a lonely outcast from society.
Long Answer Type Questions (5-6 Marks)
Q1. “Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Discuss this statement with reference to the chapter “Footprints without Feet.”
Ans: The statement perfectly captures the tragic contradiction in Griffin’s character. On one hand, Griffin was undeniably a brilliant scientist. He had dedicated years of research and experimentation to the study of invisibility. His discovery that certain rare drugs could make the human body transparent as glass while keeping it solid was a remarkable scientific achievement. Such a discovery required exceptional intellect, perseverance, and scientific knowledge.
However, despite his scientific brilliance, Griffin was a thoroughly lawless person. His criminal record in the story is extensive and disturbing. He set fire to his landlord’s house simply out of revenge for being asked to leave. He stole clothes and food from a big London department store. He attacked and robbed the shopkeeper at the theatrical company’s shop on Drury Lane. He stole money from the clergyman’s desk in Iping. He threw furniture at Mrs. Hall and her husband. Finally, he assaulted and knocked unconscious Constable Jaffers who had come to arrest him.
Griffin never once considered using his discovery for the benefit of humanity. He could have revolutionised medicine, military defence, or scientific research. Instead, he used his invisibility solely for criminal purposes and personal survival. His story is a powerful warning that scientific genius without moral responsibility is not only wasted but becomes positively dangerous. Griffin’s brilliance made him a greater menace to society than any ordinary criminal, because his scientific achievement gave him the power to commit crimes with near impunity.
Q2. Give a detailed character sketch of Griffin as presented in the chapter “Footprints without Feet.”
Ans: Griffin is the central character of the chapter “Footprints without Feet.” He is a complex character who combines exceptional scientific talent with deeply flawed personal qualities.
As a scientist, Griffin is brilliant and dedicated. He carried out experiment after experiment until he finally discovered a drug that could make the human body invisible. This shows his intelligence, persistence, and commitment to his research. The achievement of making the human body transparent as glass was extraordinary and unprecedented.
As a person, Griffin is deeply flawed. He is short-tempered, as seen when he sets fire to his landlord’s house over a quarrel. He is selfish, using his great discovery only for personal benefit rather than for the good of society. He is violent and aggressive, attacking the shopkeeper on Drury Lane, throwing furniture at Mrs. Hall, and knocking out Constable Jaffers. He is dishonest and thievish, stealing clothes, food, money, and other items from multiple places and people.
Griffin is also anti-social and secretive. He refuses to interact with anyone at the inn, demands complete solitude, and wraps himself in bandages and dark glasses to avoid human contact. He is revengeful, as shown by the arson of his landlord’s house. He lacks any sense of moral responsibility and shows no remorse for his criminal actions.
In essence, Griffin represents the danger of placing great power in the hands of someone who lacks moral values. His character serves as a warning that scientific achievement without ethical responsibility can turn a brilliant person into a menace to society. He is a tragic figure whose genius is wasted because of his moral bankruptcy.
Q3. Describe the series of events that led to Griffin’s arrival in Iping and his eventual exposure there.
Ans: Griffin’s journey to Iping began after a series of dramatic events in London. After quarrelling with his landlord, Griffin set fire to the landlord’s house and removed his clothes to escape invisibly. However, being naked in the bitter cold of a London winter was unbearable, so he entered a big department store to find warmth, food, and clothing. When the store assistants discovered him the next morning, he had to strip naked again to escape.
Next, Griffin went to a theatrical company’s shop on Drury Lane, where he disguised himself with bandages, dark glasses, a false nose, whiskers, and a hat. He attacked the shopkeeper and stole his money. With this stolen money and his new disguise, he decided to leave London and travelled by train to the small village of Iping.
In Iping, Griffin booked two rooms at the inn run by Mrs. Hall. He told her he was a scientist who needed solitude for his work and that an accident had damaged his face. Mrs. Hall accepted him as an eccentric but paying guest. However, when Griffin’s money ran out, he resorted to stealing from the clergyman’s desk. Strange supernatural events began occurring at the inn, including furniture moving on its own and doors locking themselves.
When the burglary at the clergyman’s house became known and suspicion fell on the scientist, Mrs. Hall confronted Griffin. In a fit of rage, Griffin threw off his disguise, revealing himself as a headless, invisible man. The terrified villagers called Constable Jaffers to arrest him. Griffin removed his remaining clothes, became completely invisible, fought off Jaffers, knocked him unconscious, and escaped into the countryside, once again a naked, invisible fugitive.
Q4. “Science in wrong hands is a devil’s Pandora Box.” Discuss this statement with reference to Griffin’s character in the chapter “Footprints without Feet.”
Ans: The statement that “science in wrong hands is a devil’s Pandora Box” is perfectly illustrated by Griffin’s character in the chapter “Footprints without Feet.” Just as Pandora’s Box, when opened, released all evils into the world, Griffin’s scientific discovery, when used by his lawless personality, unleashed a chain of criminal and destructive actions upon society.
Griffin was a brilliant scientist who achieved something extraordinary. He discovered a drug that could make the human body invisible. In the right hands, this discovery could have been used for tremendous good. It could have been applied in medicine, security, scientific research, or national defence. It could have made Griffin famous and respected, and it could have benefited all of humanity.
However, Griffin’s hands were the wrong hands. He was a selfish, short-tempered, vengeful, and morally bankrupt person. In his hands, the discovery of invisibility became a tool for committing crimes. He used it to commit arson, theft, robbery, assault, and to terrorise innocent people. He set fire to his landlord’s house. He stole from stores and shops. He robbed a clergyman and a shopkeeper. He attacked Mrs. Hall and Mr. Hall with furniture. He knocked Constable Jaffers unconscious. Every action he took with his scientific power was harmful and destructive.
Griffin’s story is relevant even today. In the modern world, many scientific discoveries, such as nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and genetic engineering, have the potential for both great good and great harm. When these powerful technologies fall into the wrong hands, the results can be catastrophic. Griffin’s story reminds us that scientific progress must always be accompanied by moral responsibility and ethical values. Without these, science becomes not a blessing but a curse upon humanity.
Q5. Compare and contrast Griffin’s behaviour in London and in the village of Iping.
Ans: Griffin’s behaviour in both London and Iping reveals the same fundamental character traits, though the circumstances differ significantly.
In London, Griffin was desperate and on the run. He had set fire to his landlord’s house and was wandering the streets naked and invisible in the bitter cold. His behaviour was driven by survival. He entered the big department store to find warmth, food, and clothing. When discovered, he fled. He went to the theatrical shop on Drury Lane, where he attacked the shopkeeper and stole money to fund his escape from the city. In London, Griffin was essentially a fugitive trying to survive while avoiding detection.
In Iping, Griffin initially tried to create a stable, settled life. He booked rooms at the inn, paid his rent, and attempted to maintain the disguise of an eccentric scientist. He sought solitude and wanted to continue his experiments undisturbed. However, his lawless nature soon reasserted itself. When his money ran out, he stole from the clergyman. When confronted, he became violent, throwing furniture and eventually revealing his invisibility in a fit of rage. He assaulted the constable and fled.
The similarities are clear: in both places, Griffin resorted to crime when he needed something, showed violent tendencies when threatened, and was unable to maintain a normal, law-abiding existence. The differences lie in the circumstances. In London, he was desperate and acted out of immediate need. In Iping, he had a chance to live peacefully but could not control his lawless impulses. This suggests that Griffin’s criminal behaviour was not just a result of desperation but was a fundamental part of his character.
Q6. How does the story “Footprints without Feet” highlight the theme of misuse of science? What lessons can we learn from it?
Ans: The story “Footprints without Feet” by H.G. Wells powerfully highlights the theme of the misuse of science through the character of Griffin, a brilliant but morally corrupt scientist.
Griffin made an extraordinary scientific discovery by finding a drug that could make the human body invisible. This achievement demonstrated remarkable intellect and scientific skill. However, instead of using this discovery for the betterment of humanity, Griffin used it entirely for selfish and criminal purposes. He committed arson by burning his landlord’s house. He stole clothes and food from a department store. He attacked and robbed a shopkeeper. He burgled a clergyman’s house. He assaulted innocent people and a police officer. At no point in the story does Griffin consider using his discovery for any constructive or beneficial purpose.
The story teaches us several important lessons. First, scientific knowledge carries great responsibility. A scientist should use his discoveries for the welfare of society, not for personal gain or criminal activities. Second, brilliance without morality is dangerous. Griffin was intellectually brilliant but morally bankrupt, and this combination made him a menace rather than a benefactor. Third, power corrupts. Griffin’s invisibility gave him power that ordinary people did not have, and instead of using it wisely, he let it corrupt him into a life of crime. Fourth, selfishness leads to isolation. Griffin’s selfish use of his discovery left him alone, homeless, and on the run, unable to enjoy the fruits of his genius. Finally, the story warns us that science and ethics must go hand in hand. In our modern world, with powerful technologies like nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, this lesson is more relevant than ever.
Q7. Describe the role of Mrs. Hall in the story “Footprints without Feet.” How does her attitude towards Griffin change over the course of the story?
Ans: Mrs. Hall is the landlady of the inn in the village of Iping, and she plays an important role in the story as the person who interacts most closely with Griffin during his stay at the inn.
Initially, Mrs. Hall is welcoming and accommodating. When Griffin arrives at the inn in winter, she accepts him as a guest, even though his arrival during the off-season is unusual. She tries to be friendly and make conversation with him. Although she finds his appearance strange, with his bandaged face and dark glasses, she accepts his explanation that he has been in an accident. She tolerates his eccentric behaviour, his demand for solitude, and his refusal to socialise, mainly because he has paid his rent in advance. She considers him merely an eccentric scientist and is happy to have a paying guest during the quiet winter months.
Gradually, Mrs. Hall’s attitude changes as strange events begin to occur. When she enters Griffin’s room and finds it empty but with his clothes scattered about, and when furniture begins moving on its own and attacking her, she becomes frightened and suspicious. She starts to believe that the stranger has somehow brought evil spirits into her furniture and her inn.
Finally, when the burglary at the clergyman’s house is reported and suspicion falls on Griffin, Mrs. Hall confronts him directly. She is no longer the tolerant, welcoming landlady but an angry, suspicious woman demanding answers. When Griffin reveals his invisibility by throwing off his disguise, Mrs. Hall is horrified and terrified. She goes from being his hostess to being his accuser.
Mrs. Hall’s changing attitude mirrors the way society initially tolerates eccentric behaviour in exchange for money but quickly turns hostile when that eccentricity crosses the line into the supernatural and criminal.
Q8. Narrate in your own words the full story of “Footprints without Feet” by H.G. Wells.
Ans: “Footprints without Feet” tells the story of Griffin, a brilliant but lawless scientist who discovers how to make himself invisible. The story begins on the streets of London, where two boys notice mysterious muddy footprints appearing on the steps of a house without any visible person making them. These footprints belong to Griffin, who has become invisible after swallowing rare drugs that made his body transparent as glass.
Griffin had become invisible after a quarrel with his landlord. In revenge, he set fire to the landlord’s house and removed all his clothes to escape unseen. But being invisible in mid-winter London was terrible. Without clothes, shelter, or money, he was freezing and miserable. He slipped into a big department store after closing time, found clothes, food, and a comfortable bed of quilts. However, the store assistants found him the next morning, and he had to strip naked to escape again.
Griffin then went to a theatrical shop on Drury Lane, where he found bandages, dark glasses, a false nose, and whiskers to disguise himself. He attacked the shopkeeper and robbed him. With this money and disguise, he travelled to the quiet village of Iping and booked rooms at an inn run by Mrs. Hall. He told her he was a scientist who needed solitude and that an accident had scarred his face. Mrs. Hall thought him eccentric but tolerated him because he paid in advance.
When Griffin’s money ran out, he secretly robbed the clergyman’s desk. Strange events then occurred at the inn. The Halls found his room empty with clothes scattered about, and furniture began moving on its own and attacking them. Mrs. Hall believed the room was haunted. When the clergyman’s burglary became known, suspicion fell on Griffin. Mrs. Hall confronted him, and in fury, he threw off his disguise, revealing himself as a headless man. The terrified villagers called Constable Jaffers to arrest him. But Griffin removed his remaining clothes, becoming completely invisible. He fought with Jaffers, knocked him unconscious, and escaped, leaving the people of Iping in shock and bewilderment.
Q9. What message does H.G. Wells convey through the story “Footprints without Feet”?
Ans: Through the story “Footprints without Feet,” H.G. Wells conveys the powerful message that scientific discoveries, no matter how brilliant, can become destructive when used by someone who lacks moral values and a sense of social responsibility.
Griffin’s discovery of invisibility was a remarkable scientific achievement. However, because Griffin was a selfish, violent, and lawless person, his discovery became a tool for crime rather than a gift for humanity. Instead of using his brilliance to help others, he used it to steal, cheat, assault, and terrorise people. His story shows that intelligence without ethics is dangerous.
Wells also conveys the message that power without responsibility leads to destruction. Griffin had an extraordinary power that nobody else possessed, but he used it irresponsibly. This led to his own downfall. Instead of becoming a respected scientist, he became a hunted criminal. Instead of gaining fame and fortune through his discovery, he lost everything, including his freedom, his home, and his place in society.
The story also reminds us that crime does not pay in the long run. Despite his invisibility, Griffin was constantly in trouble and on the run. He could never settle down, could never enjoy a normal life, and could never use his genius constructively. His invisibility, which should have been his greatest asset, became his greatest curse. The message is clear: science must be used with wisdom, responsibility, and moral integrity for the benefit of all.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
Q1. Who is the author of the story “Footprints without Feet”?
(a) Ruskin Bond
(b) R.K. Narayan
(c) H.G. Wells
(d) Charles Dickens
Ans: (c) H.G. Wells
Q2. What did the two boys in London see on the steps of a house?
(a) A ghost
(b) Fresh muddy footprints of bare feet
(c) A pair of shoes
(d) A man in a long coat
Ans: (b) Fresh muddy footprints of bare feet
Q3. Why was Griffin wandering the streets of London without clothes?
(a) He was mentally ill
(b) He had set fire to his landlord’s house and removed clothes to escape invisibly
(c) He lost his clothes in a flood
(d) He was performing an experiment in public
Ans: (b) He had set fire to his landlord’s house and removed clothes to escape invisibly
Q4. What did Griffin’s body become after swallowing the rare drugs?
(a) As strong as steel
(b) As light as air
(c) As transparent as a sheet of glass
(d) As small as an ant
Ans: (c) As transparent as a sheet of glass
Q5. Where did Griffin go to find warmth, food, and clothing?
(a) A hospital
(b) A church
(c) A big London department store
(d) A friend’s house
Ans: (c) A big London department store
Q6. What did Griffin eat in the big London store?
(a) Bread and butter
(b) Cold meat, coffee, sweets, and wine
(c) Rice and curry
(d) Fruits and vegetables
Ans: (b) Cold meat, coffee, sweets, and wine
Q7. Where was the theatrical company’s shop located?
(a) Oxford Street
(b) Baker Street
(c) Drury Lane
(d) Fleet Street
Ans: (c) Drury Lane
Q8. What items did Griffin take from the theatrical shop to disguise himself?
(a) A wig and makeup
(b) Bandages, dark glasses, false nose, whiskers, and a hat
(c) A mask and cape
(d) Paint and brushes
Ans: (b) Bandages, dark glasses, false nose, whiskers, and a hat
Q9. In which village did Griffin take shelter at an inn?
(a) Piping
(b) Iping
(c) Snowland
(d) Greenfield
Ans: (b) Iping
Q10. Who was the landlady of the inn?
(a) Mrs. Smith
(b) Mrs. Jones
(c) Mrs. Hall
(d) Mrs. Griffin
Ans: (c) Mrs. Hall
Q11. Why did Mrs. Hall consider Griffin an eccentric scientist?
(a) He had an unusual appearance and refused to socialise
(b) He was very talkative
(c) He had many friends visiting him
(d) He was always cheerful and polite
Ans: (a) He had an unusual appearance and refused to socialise
Q12. From whom did Griffin steal money in Iping?
(a) Mrs. Hall
(b) The shopkeeper
(c) The clergyman
(d) Constable Jaffers
Ans: (c) The clergyman
Q13. What extraordinary thing happened to Mrs. Hall in the scientist’s room?
(a) She found gold coins
(b) Her hat leaped off the bedpost and hit her face, and a chair charged at her
(c) She saw a ghost
(d) The room caught fire
Ans: (b) Her hat leaped off the bedpost and hit her face, and a chair charged at her
Q14. What did the word “bewildered” mean in the context of the story?
(a) Happy and excited
(b) Confused and puzzled
(c) Angry and violent
(d) Calm and peaceful
Ans: (b) Confused and puzzled
Q15. Who was called to arrest Griffin?
(a) Inspector General
(b) Detective Holmes
(c) Constable Jaffers
(d) Sergeant Wilson
Ans: (c) Constable Jaffers
Q16. What happened when Griffin removed his bandages and disguise in front of everyone?
(a) He looked completely normal
(b) People saw a headless man
(c) He turned into a monster
(d) He disappeared immediately
Ans: (b) People saw a headless man
Q17. Griffin is best described as:
(a) A kind and generous scientist
(b) A brilliant but lawless person
(c) A dull and ordinary man
(d) A peaceful and calm individual
Ans: (b) A brilliant but lawless person
Q18. What was the season when Griffin was wandering in London?
(a) Summer
(b) Spring
(c) Mid-winter
(d) Autumn
Ans: (c) Mid-winter
Q19. What did Griffin sleep on in the big London store?
(a) A bed
(b) A sofa
(c) A pile of quilts
(d) The floor
Ans: (c) A pile of quilts
Q20. Why did Griffin’s footprints become visible on the London streets?
(a) He was wearing shoes
(b) He stepped in mud which stuck to his bare feet
(c) He was wearing invisible shoes
(d) It was raining heavily
Ans: (b) He stepped in mud which stuck to his bare feet
Extract-Based Questions
Extract 1
“The two boys started in surprise at the fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet. What was strange was that the footprints had been made by a barefooted man who was not visible.”
(a) Where were the two boys when they saw the footprints?
Ans: The two boys were on the streets of London, near the steps of a house, when they saw the fresh muddy footprints appearing on the steps.
(b) Why were the footprints strange?
Ans: The footprints were strange because they were being made by a barefooted person who was completely invisible. Fresh muddy impressions were appearing one after another on the steps, but no person could be seen making them. It seemed as if the footprints were appearing from thin air.
(c) Who was making these footprints?
Ans: The footprints were being made by Griffin, the invisible scientist. He had become invisible after swallowing certain rare drugs. However, when he stepped in mud, the mud stuck to his bare feet and left visible impressions as he walked.
(d) What happened to the footprints eventually?
Ans: The footprints grew fainter and fainter as the mud gradually wore off Griffin’s feet. Eventually, the footprints disappeared altogether, and the boys could no longer follow the trail of the invisible man.
Extract 2
“Griffin had carried out experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became as transparent as a sheet of glass — though it also remained as solid as glass.”
(a) What kind of experiments had Griffin been carrying out?
Ans: Griffin had been carrying out experiments to prove that the human body could become invisible. He was trying to find a way to make the human body transparent so that it could not be seen by the naked eye.
(b) What was the result of swallowing the rare drugs?
Ans: After swallowing the rare drugs, Griffin’s body became as transparent as a sheet of glass. One could see through his body as if it were made of glass. However, his body remained as solid as glass too, meaning he was physically present and solid even though he could not be seen.
(c) What does the phrase “as transparent as a sheet of glass” mean?
Ans: The phrase means that Griffin’s body became completely see-through, just like a piece of glass. Light could pass through his body without being reflected, making him invisible to the human eye. Nobody could see him, though he was still physically there.
(d) What does this passage tell us about Griffin as a scientist?
Ans: This passage tells us that Griffin was a dedicated and brilliant scientist. He did not achieve his goal easily or quickly. He carried out “experiment after experiment,” which shows his persistence and determination. His final success in making the human body invisible shows his exceptional scientific ability and intellect.
Extract 3
“Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was rather a lawless person. His landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge Griffin set fire to the house.”
(a) What does the word “brilliant” tell us about Griffin?
Ans: The word “brilliant” tells us that Griffin was an exceptionally talented and intelligent scientist. He had achieved something extraordinary by making the human body invisible, which required a high level of scientific knowledge and expertise.
(b) Why is Griffin called a “lawless person”?
Ans: Griffin is called a lawless person because he had no respect for the law or for the rights of other people. He committed several crimes including arson, theft, robbery, assault, and resisting arrest. He used his scientific discovery not for the benefit of society but for committing criminal acts.
(c) Why did Griffin set fire to the house?
Ans: Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house as an act of revenge. His landlord disliked him and tried to eject (remove) him from the house. This angered Griffin, and being a short-tempered and lawless person, he retaliated by burning the house down.
(d) What contrast does the author draw in this extract?
Ans: The author draws a sharp contrast between Griffin’s scientific brilliance and his moral character. While Griffin was a brilliant scientist capable of extraordinary achievements, he was also a lawless person with no moral values. This contrast highlights the central theme of the story: that intelligence without morality can be very dangerous.
Extract 4
“Mrs Hall almost fell down the stairs in hysterics. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits, and that the stranger had somehow brought the evil spirits into her furniture.”
(a) Why did Mrs. Hall almost fall down the stairs?
Ans: Mrs. Hall almost fell down the stairs because she had just witnessed terrifying supernatural events in the scientist’s room. Her hat had leaped off the bedpost and dashed into her face, and a chair had risen in the air and charged at her legs. These extraordinary events made her panic and run out of the room in hysterics.
(b) What does the word “hysterics” mean here?
Ans: The word “hysterics” means an exaggerated and uncontrollable emotional reaction, typically involving wild, panicked behaviour. Mrs. Hall was so terrified by the moving furniture that she lost her composure and reacted with extreme fear and panic.
(c) What was Mrs. Hall convinced about?
Ans: Mrs. Hall was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits. She believed that the stranger (Griffin) had somehow brought evil spirits into her furniture, which is why the hat had jumped at her face and the chair had attacked her legs. She did not know about Griffin’s invisibility and therefore attributed the strange events to supernatural forces.
(d) What was actually causing the strange events in the room?
Ans: The strange events in the room were actually being caused by the invisible Griffin. He was present in the room but could not be seen because he had removed his bandages and clothes. He was the one who threw the hat at Mrs. Hall’s face, lifted the chair to charge at her, and locked the door. There were no spirits or ghosts; it was Griffin using his invisibility to frighten and drive away the Halls.
Extract 5
“Jaffers was a no-nonsense constable. ‘Arrest him!’ he said. But then an extraordinary thing began to happen. Griffin started to remove his clothes one by one. As he did so, the man began to become more and more invisible.”
(a) Who was Jaffers? Why had he come?
Ans: Jaffers was the village constable (police officer) of Iping. He had been called to the inn to arrest Griffin, who was suspected of committing burglary at the clergyman’s house and causing the strange disturbances at the inn.
(b) What “extraordinary thing” began to happen?
Ans: The extraordinary thing that began to happen was that Griffin started removing his clothes one by one. As he removed each piece of clothing, that part of his body became invisible. Gradually, he became more and more invisible until he was completely unseen. This was extraordinary because no one had ever witnessed a person literally disappearing before their eyes.
(c) What challenge did Jaffers face in arresting Griffin?
Ans: Jaffers faced the unprecedented challenge of trying to arrest a man who was becoming invisible. As Griffin removed his clothes, Jaffers found himself trying to hold on to a person he could no longer see. He had to fight and struggle with an invisible opponent who could hit him without being seen. It was an impossible task for any constable.
(d) What was the final outcome of this confrontation?
Ans: The final outcome was that Griffin, now completely invisible, fought violently with Jaffers and knocked him unconscious with blows that seemed to come from nowhere. Griffin then escaped from the inn, leaving the people of Iping bewildered and terrified. The constable was unable to arrest the invisible man.
Value-Based Questions
Q1. Griffin was a brilliant scientist who could have used his discovery for the benefit of humanity. What values did he lack that led to his downfall? What values should a scientist possess?
Ans: Griffin lacked several important values that led to his downfall. He lacked moral responsibility, as he never considered using his discovery for the good of others. He lacked self-control, as seen in his short temper and violent reactions. He lacked honesty and integrity, resorting to theft and robbery instead of earning his living honestly. He lacked empathy and compassion, as he showed no concern for the people he hurt and robbed. He lacked respect for the law, breaking it repeatedly without any sense of guilt.
A true scientist should possess several essential values. First, a scientist should have a strong sense of ethical responsibility, using discoveries only for constructive and beneficial purposes. Second, a scientist needs social awareness, understanding that scientific achievements belong not just to the individual but to all of humanity. Third, a scientist must have integrity and honesty, conducting research with truthfulness and transparency. Fourth, a scientist should have self-discipline, using power and knowledge wisely rather than impulsively. Finally, a scientist should have humility, recognising that great knowledge comes with great responsibility. If Griffin had possessed these values, his remarkable discovery could have been a blessing for humanity instead of a curse.
Q2. The story “Footprints without Feet” teaches us that “power without responsibility is destructive.” Explain how this lesson is relevant in today’s world.
Ans: The lesson that “power without responsibility is destructive” is deeply relevant in today’s world. Griffin had the extraordinary power of invisibility, but because he used it irresponsibly, it brought harm to everyone around him and ultimately to himself. This is exactly what happens in the modern world when power of any kind is used without a sense of responsibility.
In today’s world, we see examples of this everywhere. Nuclear technology, when used responsibly, can provide clean energy to millions of people, but when used irresponsibly, it can destroy entire cities, as history has shown. The internet and social media are powerful tools that can spread knowledge and connect people, but when misused, they can spread misinformation, cyberbullying, and hatred. Artificial intelligence can revolutionise healthcare, education, and industry, but without ethical guidelines, it can be used for surveillance, manipulation, and job displacement.
Even in everyday life, people who hold power, whether in government, business, or personal relationships, can cause great harm when they act without responsibility. Leaders who abuse their power create suffering for those they govern. Business owners who prioritise profit over ethics cause environmental destruction and worker exploitation.
Griffin’s story reminds us that every form of power, whether scientific, technological, political, or personal, must be accompanied by a strong sense of moral responsibility. Only then can power become a force for good rather than a source of destruction.
Q3. “True greatness lies not in what we achieve but in how we use our achievements.” Discuss this statement in the light of Griffin’s character.
Ans: This statement perfectly applies to Griffin’s character in “Footprints without Feet.” Griffin achieved something truly remarkable. He discovered a way to make the human body invisible, a feat that no other scientist in the world had accomplished. By any measure of scientific achievement, Griffin was a great scientist. However, despite this extraordinary accomplishment, Griffin cannot be considered truly great because of how he used his achievement.
Instead of using his discovery to advance human knowledge, improve medicine, or serve his country, Griffin used it for arson, theft, robbery, and assault. He burned his landlord’s house, stole from stores and shops, robbed innocent people, attacked a shopkeeper, and assaulted a police officer. His scientific genius was entirely wasted on criminal activities.
Compare Griffin with scientists like Marie Curie, who discovered radioactivity and used her knowledge to develop X-ray technology that saved countless lives during World War I, or with Albert Einstein, whose theories revolutionised our understanding of the universe. These scientists are considered great not just because of their discoveries but because of how they used their knowledge for the benefit of humanity.
Griffin’s story teaches us that achievement alone does not make a person great. True greatness requires using one’s abilities and achievements to make the world a better place. A person who achieves much but uses those achievements only for selfish or destructive purposes is not great but dangerous. Griffin had the potential for true greatness, but his lack of moral values turned his genius into a menace. His story is a reminder that character is more important than capability, and that how we use our gifts matters more than the gifts themselves.
Word Meanings / Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Imprints | Marks or impressions pressed onto a surface |
| Transparent | Allowing light to pass through; see-through |
| Invisible | Unable to be seen |
| Eject | To force someone to leave a place |
| Revenge | The act of hurting someone in return for being hurt by them |
| Wandering | Moving about without any definite purpose or destination |
| Eccentric | Unconventional and slightly strange in behaviour |
| Solitude | The state of being alone; isolation |
| Callously | In a cruel and insensitive manner |
| Bewildered | Confused and puzzled |
| Hysterics | Exaggerated and uncontrollable emotional reaction |
| Constable | A police officer, especially of the lowest rank |
| Furious | Extremely angry |
| Surrender | To give up or hand over |
| Theatrical | Related to theatre or dramatic performance |
| Whiskers | Long hair or bristles growing on the face (side-burns) |
| Bandages | Strips of cloth used to cover wounds or wrap around body parts |
| Extraordinary | Very unusual or remarkable |
| Haunted | Inhabited or visited by ghosts or spirits |
| Fugitive | A person who has escaped from a place or is in hiding |