Class 10 English - ANDHRA-PRADESH

Supplementary: Footprints without Feet

Supplementary: Footprints without Feet by H.G. Wells is an engaging story about Griffin, a brilliant scientist who invents a rare chemical formula to make his human body transparent and invisible. However, instead of using his discovery for the betterment of society, he misuses it for petty crimes, lawlessness, and revenge. The chapter serves as a moral lesson about how unchecked scientific genius and a lack of empathy lead to isolation and destruction. For Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 10 board exams, questions often focus on character sketches of Griffin, the sequence of events, and the moral message of the story.

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Key Concepts

Griffin's Discovery

Griffin discovers a rare chemical that makes human flesh transparent and solid as glass, though it leaves him completely naked.

Misuse of Science

Instead of using invisibility for noble purposes, Griffin sets fire to his landlord's house, steals from stores, and robs a clergyman to fund his escape.

The Iping Episode

Griffin hides in an inn in the remote village of Iping, where his eccentric behavior and bandages arouse suspicion from Mrs. Hall and the villagers.

Lawlessness and Escape

When cornered by the village constable, Mr. Jaffers, Griffin removes all his clothes to become totally invisible, knocks out the constable, and escapes.

Theme of Misplaced Genius

The story highlights how brilliant intellect without moral responsibility and lawfulness makes a person a monster rather than a benefactor.

Important Formulas

Lawlessness + Invisibility = Social Isolation and Crime
Brilliant Scientist - Moral Conscience = A Lawless Person

Board Exam Info

In the Andhra Pradesh (BSEAP) Class 10 English board exams, supplementary chapters like Footprints without Feet typically carry around 4 to 8 marks. Questions usually appear as long-answer paragraph questions testing character analysis, or short-answer questions based on the plot twists and events.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the two boys fascinated by the muddy footprints?

The boys were fascinated because they could see fresh footprints appearing on the steps of a house in London out of nowhere, but they could not see any person making them.

How did Griffin escape from the London store?

When the store opened in the morning, Griffin was spotted by the assistants. He panicked, started stripping off his newly acquired warm clothes to become invisible, and ran away naked into the cold London air.

Was Griffin a successful scientist?

Scientifically yes, because he achieved the impossible feat of human invisibility. However, morally and socially he was a complete failure as he used his invention for crime and selfishness.

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