TEACHGYAN • CLASS 10 ENGLISH • FOOTPRINTS WITHOUT FEET

Chapter – Footprints Without Feet

Complete NCERT guide • H.G. Wells • Griffin • invisibility • science and responsibility • themes • competency and board practice

📖 Chapter Overview

“Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells tells the story of Griffin, a scientist who discovers a way to make the human body invisible. Although the discovery is scientifically remarkable, Griffin uses his invisibility irresponsibly. He steals, damages property and frightens people. The story explores the difference between scientific ability and responsible conduct.

🔬 Griffin’s Discovery

Griffin discovers how to make the human body transparent. The discovery gives him extraordinary freedom from ordinary physical observation. However, instead of using his knowledge for constructive purposes, he becomes increasingly involved in theft, deception and escape.

🏠 The Shopkeeper and the Landlord

Griffin’s invisible movements create confusion. He stays at an inn but eventually has to leave after unusual incidents attract attention. The story shows how invisibility gives him temporary advantages while also making ordinary life difficult.

👣 The Invisible Footprints

The title refers to the paradox at the heart of the story: Griffin cannot be seen, but his physical presence can sometimes be detected through footprints and other evidence. The mystery created by invisible movement drives the plot.

👕 Griffin’s Need for Clothing

Invisibility creates practical problems. Although Griffin’s body is invisible, objects he wears are visible. He therefore has to remove clothing when he wants complete invisibility. This leads to comic and difficult situations.

🧳 Griffin’s Escape and Journey

Griffin uses invisibility to escape from people and move around without being recognised. He steals clothing, food and money because he needs physical resources to survive. His actions demonstrate that a scientific discovery does not automatically make the person using it ethical.

👤 Character Study: Griffin

• Intelligent: he possesses advanced scientific knowledge.
• Resourceful: he uses his discovery to solve immediate problems.
• Secretive: he hides his identity and actions.
• Self-centred: he prioritises his own needs over others.
• Lawless: he repeatedly uses invisibility for theft and escape.
• Scientifically capable but ethically irresponsible: his discovery and his conduct are sharply contrasted.

🎯 Major Themes

Science and Responsibility

The story raises an important question: should scientific power be used without ethical responsibility?

Misuse of Knowledge

Griffin’s discovery itself is not presented as evil; the problem lies in how he chooses to use it.

Power and Morality

Invisibility removes some practical consequences of being observed, but it does not remove moral responsibility.

Isolation

Griffin’s unusual condition separates him from ordinary social life and contributes to his increasingly antisocial behaviour.

📚 Important Vocabulary

Word	Meaning
Invisibility	The state of being unable to be seen
Transparent	Allowing light to pass through so that objects can be seen through it
Theft	Taking another person’s property without permission
Eccentric	Unusual or unconventional in behaviour
Dismantled	Taken apart into separate pieces

✍️ Literary Features

• Science fiction: a scientific possibility is used as the foundation of the story.
• Irony: Griffin gains invisibility but does not gain freedom from consequences.
• Suspense: the reader follows Griffin’s escapes and wonders how he will be detected.
• Imagery: invisible movement and unexplained footprints create vivid scenes.
• Symbolism: invisibility can represent power without accountability.

🧠 Competency-Based Questions

1. Why does Griffin’s scientific discovery not make his life easier in every respect?
2. How does Griffin’s behaviour demonstrate the importance of ethical responsibility?
3. Why are footprints significant in a story about an invisible person?
4. How does the story distinguish scientific ability from moral character?

📊 Case-Based Question

🔥 HOTS

1. Would Griffin’s discovery itself be considered harmful, or is the harm caused by his choices? Explain.
2. How does invisibility change Griffin’s relationship with society?
3. What warning does the story offer about scientific knowledge without ethical responsibility?

✍️ Board-Style Questions

Short Answer

1. Who was Griffin?
2. What scientific discovery did Griffin make?
3. Why did Griffin have difficulty remaining invisible while wearing clothes?
4. Why did Griffin steal clothes and money?
5. How does the title relate to the story?

Long Answer

1. Describe Griffin as a brilliant but irresponsible scientist.
2. Explain how Griffin misuses his scientific discovery.
3. What message does the story convey about science and responsibility?

📝 Practice Worksheet

1. Create a timeline of Griffin’s major actions.
2. Complete a character profile of Griffin.
3. Write meanings for five vocabulary words.
4. Write a 60-word summary of the story.
5. Write 100 words on Griffin’s misuse of science.
6. Write a 150-word analytical response on science, power and ethics.

🎯 One-Minute Revision

Griffin discovers invisibility → struggles with practical consequences → uses invisibility to escape and steal → creates fear and confusion → story highlights the need for ethical responsibility in using scientific knowledge.

🏆 Mastery Checklist

• ☐ I can explain Griffin’s discovery.
• ☐ I can describe Griffin’s character with evidence.
• ☐ I can explain the title.
• ☐ I understand the science-versus-ethics theme.
• ☐ I can answer competency and analytical questions.

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