Chapter 5: Footprints Without Feet

Footprints Without Feet is an intriguing and suspenseful story from the NCERT Class 10 English supplementary reader Footprints Without Feet, written by H.G. Wells. This chapter explores the concept of invisibility and its consequences through the character of Griffin, a brilliant but morally flawed scientist. The story presents a fascinating blend of science fiction and ethical reflection, making it both engaging and thought-provoking for students. Griffin discovers a way to make the human body invisible through scientific experimentation. However, instead of using his discovery for the benefit of society, he chooses a path of selfishness and misuse. After becoming invisible, he begins to exploit his power by committing thefts, creating chaos, and escaping from difficult situations. His actions reveal his lack of responsibility and disregard for social norms. As the story progresses, Griffin faces several challenges due to his invisibility, including exposure to harsh weather and difficulty in finding shelter and food. The chapter highlights an important message about the misuse of scientific knowledge and the importance of ethical responsibility. It shows that intelligence without values can lead to destructive outcomes. From an exam perspective, this chapter is very important as it includes themes like science versus morality, character analysis of Griffin, and plot-based questions. Students should focus on key events, Griffin’s personality traits, and the consequences of his actions. Overall, Footprints Without Feet is a compelling story that not only entertains but also encourages students to think critically about the role of science in society.