Summary
The Invisible Man, a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells, tells the story of Griffin, a brilliant but troubled scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible. The tale begins in the English village of Iping, where a mysterious stranger arrives during a snowstorm. This man, heavily bandaged and wearing a wide-brimmed hat, takes a room at the local inn. His odd behaviour and reclusive nature soon make him the subject of gossip among the villagers.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this stranger is Griffin, a scientist who has successfully made himself invisible. However, he is unable to reverse the process, leading to a series of increasingly desperate and violent actions. Griffin’s invisibility, rather than being a boon, becomes a source of frustration and isolation.
The narrative follows Griffin’s attempts to survive and potentially reverse his condition. He coerces a tramp named Thomas Marvel to assist him, but Marvel eventually betrays him. Griffin then seeks help from a former college acquaintance, Dr Kemp. Initially sympathetic, Kemp becomes horrified as Griffin reveals his plans to use his invisibility for a “Reign of Terror”.
The novel reaches its climax as Griffin, enraged by Kemp’s betrayal, vows to murder him. This leads to a manhunt involving the entire village. In the end, Griffin is cornered and beaten to death by the villagers. As he dies, his body slowly becomes visible again, revealing him to be an albino man in his thirties.
Throughout the novel, Wells explores themes of scientific ethics, the consequences of unchecked ambition, and the psychological effects of isolation. The story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of scientific progress without moral consideration.
Key themes:
- The ethical implications of scientific advancement
- The psychological impact of isolation and invisibility
- The consequences of unchecked ambition
- The tension between individual desires and societal norms
- The destructive nature of power without responsibility
Character Details
Griffin (The Invisible Man)
Griffin is the novel’s protagonist and antagonist, a brilliant but deeply flawed scientist. Born with albinism, he becomes obsessed with optics and develops a formula to alter a body’s refractive index, rendering it invisible. Initially driven by scientific curiosity, Griffin’s isolation and the power of invisibility gradually corrupt him. He transforms from a misguided student into a violent and unstable individual, showcasing the psychological toll of his condition. Griffin’s character embodies the dangers of scientific pursuit divorced from ethical considerations. His descent into madness and criminality serves as a stark warning about the potential consequences of unchecked ambition and the isolation that can come with extraordinary abilities.
Dr Kemp
Dr Kemp is a former college acquaintance of Griffin and serves as a foil to the Invisible Man. Initially, he provides a sympathetic ear to Griffin, listening to his story and offering temporary refuge. However, as Griffin reveals his violent intentions and plans for a “Reign of Terror”, Kemp’s scientific rationality and moral compass come to the fore. He decides to alert the authorities, prioritising public safety over loyalty to his old colleague. Kemp represents the responsible face of science, contrasting sharply with Griffin’s reckless pursuit of knowledge at any cost. His actions in the latter part of the novel are crucial in bringing about the story’s resolution.
Thomas Marvel
Thomas Marvel is a tramp whom Griffin coerces into becoming his assistant. Marvel is a reluctant accomplice, forced to help the Invisible Man under threat of violence. Despite his initial fear and compliance, Marvel eventually finds the courage to betray Griffin, stealing his money and the crucial notebooks containing the invisibility formula. Marvel’s character provides a touch of comic relief in the novel, but also serves to highlight the extent of Griffin’s moral decay and the terror he instils in others. Marvel’s eventual betrayal of Griffin is a turning point in the story, leading to the Invisible Man’s final, desperate actions.
Mr and Mrs Hall
George and Janny Hall are the owners of the Coach and Horses Inn where Griffin first takes lodging. They represent the ordinary, working-class perspective in the face of extraordinary events. Initially welcoming to the strange, bandaged guest due to his ability to pay, they become increasingly suspicious of his odd behaviour. Mrs Hall, in particular, shows both curiosity and concern about their mysterious lodger. The Halls’ growing unease and eventual confrontation with Griffin serve to build tension in the early parts of the novel and provide a grounded, relatable viewpoint for the reader.
Colonel Adye
Colonel Adye is the local police chief who becomes involved in the hunt for the Invisible Man. He represents the forces of law and order attempting to deal with a threat beyond their usual experience. Adye’s involvement highlights the inadequacy of conventional methods in dealing with Griffin’s invisibility. His tragic fate, being shot and killed by the Invisible Man during the final confrontation, underscores the danger Griffin poses and the high stakes of the conflict.
Reader Fit
The Invisible Man would appeal to readers who enjoy classic science fiction with a philosophical edge. It’s particularly suited for those interested in exploring the ethical implications of scientific advancement and the psychological effects of isolation. Fans of character-driven narratives that delve into the darker aspects of human nature will find much to appreciate in Griffin’s descent from ambitious scientist to violent outcast.
The novel’s blend of suspense, social commentary and scientific speculation makes it an engaging read for both science fiction enthusiasts and general literature lovers alike.
Quick Facts
- Genre: Science Fiction
- Publication Year: 1897
- Reading Time Estimate: 4-6 hours
- Notable Awards: While not specifically awarded, The Invisible Man is considered a classic of science fiction literature and has significantly influenced the genre.
Related Books
- The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
- The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde by Robert Louis Stevenson
- Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
