Class 10 English Notes Chapter 5 (Footprints without Feet) – Foot Prints Without Feet Supp. Reader Book

Detailed Notes with MCQs of Chapter 5, 'Footprints without Feet' by H.G. Wells. This is an interesting story, a blend of science fiction and human nature, and it often features in examinations. Pay close attention to the details.

Chapter 5: Footprints without Feet

Author: H.G. Wells (A renowned science fiction writer)

Genre: Science Fiction

Central Character: Griffin – A brilliant scientist who discovers how to make the human body transparent, or invisible.

Character Analysis: Griffin

• Brilliant Scientist: He successfully carries out experiments that many would deem impossible. His discovery of invisibility is a testament to his intellect.
• Lawless Person: This is a crucial aspect. Instead of using his discovery for the good of humanity, Griffin uses it for selfish and illegal purposes. He is shown to be short-tempered, violent, and without regard for others' property or well-being.
• Irresponsible: He conducts his experiments without considering the consequences or ethical implications.
• Self-Centred & Antisocial: His primary concern is his own comfort and escape. He seeks solitude but reacts violently when disturbed or questioned. He lacks empathy.
• Vulnerable Despite Power: His invisibility makes him powerful in some ways, but also vulnerable, especially to cold weather and the need to remain unseen (which requires him to be naked).

Detailed Summary for Exam Preparation:

1. The Mysterious Footprints: The story opens in London where two boys are bewildered to see fresh muddy footprints appearing on the steps of a house, seemingly out of nowhere. They follow the prints until they fade away. These belong to Griffin, who has just become invisible and is shoeless.
2. Griffin's Backstory (Brief): We learn Griffin is a scientist who discovered how to make his body invisible. However, his landlord disliked him and tried to evict him. In revenge, Griffin set fire to the house and had to remove his clothes to become unseen, making him a homeless wanderer without clothes or money in the cold London air.
3. Struggles in London:
   • Cold: Mid-winter London is unbearable without clothes.
   • Visibility: While his body is invisible, mud or snow sticks to his feet, leaving prints.
   • Needs: He needs food, warmth, and clothing.
4. The Big London Store: Seeking refuge, Griffin slips into a large London department store before closing time.
   • He helps himself to clothes, food (meat, coffee, sweets, wine), and sleeps on a pile of quilts.
   • He oversleeps and is almost caught by assistants the next morning. He escapes only by quickly taking off his newly worn clothes, becoming invisible again.
5. The Theatrical Company: Needing to cover his upper body and face to be visible without revealing his invisibility, Griffin enters a theatrical shop in Drury Lane.
   • He steals bandages to wrap around his forehead and face, dark glasses, a false nose, side-whiskers, and a large hat.
   • He attacks the shopkeeper from behind and robs him of all the money he can find.
6. Arrival in Iping: Seeking solitude and escape from London, Griffin takes a train to the remote village of Iping.
   • He books two rooms at the local inn, 'The Coach and Horses', owned by Mr. and Mrs. Hall.
   • His appearance is highly unusual (fully bandaged face, etc.), making him the talk of the village.
   • He claims to have had an accident and desires privacy, discouraging any conversation and becoming irritable when disturbed.
7. Suspicion Grows:
   • Griffin pays Mrs. Hall in advance but soon runs out of money. He pretends to be expecting a cheque.
   • A mysterious burglary occurs at the clergyman's house early one morning. Money is stolen from the desk, though the burglar is unseen.
   • Suspicion immediately falls on the strange scientist, especially when he produces cash shortly after the burglary, despite claiming he had none.
8. The Confrontation:
   • Mrs. Hall and her husband investigate Griffin's room when they find it open and him absent. They notice his clothes and bandages lying around.
   • Suddenly, the hat leaps up, and the chair becomes animated, pushing them out of the room before the door slams and locks. Mrs. Hall is terrified, believing the furniture is haunted by spirits put there by the stranger.
   • Later, Mrs. Hall confronts Griffin about the strange happenings and the money.
   • Losing his temper, Griffin starts removing his bandages, false nose, whiskers, and glasses, revealing the empty space beneath. The onlookers are horrified.
9. The Climax & Escape:
   • The village constable, Mr. Jaffers, is called to arrest Griffin.
   • Jaffers is determined but bewildered as Griffin starts removing his clothes, becoming progressively more invisible.
   • A struggle ensues where the constable tries to catch a man he cannot see. Griffin, now fully invisible, easily fights off Jaffers and anyone trying to help, knocking the constable unconscious.
   • Griffin escapes, once again invisible, naked, and free, but also vulnerable and isolated.

Themes:

• Misuse of Science: Science can be dangerous if used irresponsibly or for unethical purposes. Griffin's discovery brings him misery and causes harm to others.
• Power and Corruption: Invisibility gives Griffin power, but he uses it corruptly for theft and violence.
• Appearance vs. Reality: Griffin's visible appearance (bandages, etc.) is strange, but the reality of his invisibility is even more shocking. The seemingly empty room is actually occupied.
• Isolation and Loneliness: Griffin's condition forces him into isolation, both physically (needing to hide) and socially (his behaviour alienates everyone).

Key Vocabulary/Phrases:

• Bewildered: Confused, puzzled.
• Eject: To force someone to leave.
• Quest: A search or pursuit.
• Drapery: Cloth trade or goods.
• Callous: Showing insensitive and cruel disregard for others.
• Extraordinary affair: A very unusual event.
• Solitude: The state of being alone.
• Transparent: Allowing light to pass through so objects behind can be distinctly seen (like glass).
• Constable: A police officer.
• Hysterics: Wildly emotional and exaggerated reaction.

Focus Points for Exams:

• Griffin's character flaws (lawlessness, temper, selfishness).
• The sequence of events: London escape -> Store -> Theatrical shop -> Iping -> Burglary -> Confrontation -> Escape.
• The contrast between the potential benefits of invisibility and Griffin's actual use of it.
• The reactions of different people to Griffin (boys, shop assistants, Mrs. Hall, clergyman, Jaffers).
• The advantages and disadvantages of being invisible as depicted in the story.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

1. What initially made the two boys in London follow Griffin?
   a) They heard him shouting.
   b) They saw muddy footprints appearing out of thin air.
   c) They saw a hat floating down the street.
   d) He bumped into them.

2. Why did Griffin set his landlord's house on fire?
   a) It was an accident during an experiment.
   b) He wanted to test his invisibility.
   c) As revenge because the landlord tried to evict him.
   d) To create a distraction to steal money.

3. Where did Griffin find clothes, food, and warmth after becoming invisible in London?
   a) In a church
   b) In a big department store
   c) In the theatrical company shop
   d) At Mrs. Hall's inn

4. What items did Griffin steal from the theatrical shop in Drury Lane?
   a) Money, food, and a coat
   b) Bandages, dark glasses, a false nose, and a hat
   c) A wig, makeup, and shoes
   d) A map, a train ticket, and a suitcase

5. What was the name of the village where Griffin went to escape London?
   a) Drury Lane
   b) Iping
   c) London Central
   d) Charing Cross

6. Who was Mrs. Hall?
   a) Griffin's landlady in London
   b) The owner of the theatrical shop
   c) The clergyman's wife
   d) The landlady of the inn in Iping

7. What event made the villagers strongly suspect Griffin of wrongdoing?
   a) His refusal to attend church.
   b) His strange appearance.
   c) The burglary at the clergyman's house soon after Griffin ran out of money.
   d) His argument with Mr. Jaffers.

8. When Mrs. Hall confronted Griffin, what did he do to shock everyone?
   a) He confessed to the burglary.
   b) He started throwing furniture around.
   c) He began removing his bandages and false features, revealing his invisibility.
   d) He paid his bill with stolen money.

9. Who was Mr. Jaffers?
   a) The village clergyman
   b) The owner of the inn
   c) The village constable
   d) The shopkeeper from Drury Lane

10. What word best describes Griffin's character throughout the story?
    a) Philanthropic
    b) Lawless
    c) Timid
    d) Honourable

Answer Key for MCQs:

1. b
2. c
3. b
4. b
5. b
6. d
7. c
8. c
9. c
10. b

Study these notes carefully, focusing on Griffin's actions and motivations, and the consequences of his scientific discovery. Understanding these aspects will be key for your exams. Good luck!