Class 10 English - TELANGANA

Supplementary: Footprints without Feet

Supplementary: Footprints without Feet by H.G. Wells is an intriguing chapter in the Class 10 Telangana (TSBSE) English curriculum. It tells the story of Griffin, a brilliant scientist who discovers a rare drug to make the human body transparent, effectively becoming invisible. However, instead of using his discovery for good, he misuses it for selfish acts, crime, and chaos, eventually leading to his downfall. For board exams, this chapter is crucial as it tests students' understanding of character traits, plot sequencing, and moral lessons about the misuse of science and the consequences of lawlessness.

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Key Concepts

Griffin's Scientific Discovery

Griffin discovers a rare chemical formula that makes human flesh as transparent as a sheet of glass, though it remains solid.

Lawlessness and Misuse of Power

Instead of using his invisibility for noble scientific pursuits, Griffin becomes a lawless person, stealing, setting fire to his landlord's house, and attacking people.

The London Store Incident

To escape the cold, Griffin breaks into a big London store, where he steals warm clothing, food, and sweets, sleeping on a pile of quilts.

The Iping Adventure

Griffin moves to the remote village of Iping, staying at an inn run by Mr. and Mrs. Hall, where his eccentric appearance and strange behavior arouse suspicion.

Theme of Morality in Science

The chapter highlights a key moral lesson: scientific discoveries should benefit humanity, and when misused for personal greed, they lead to isolation and destruction.

Important Formulas

Theme: Abuse of scientific power leads to isolation and moral corruption.
Character Trait (Griffin): Brilliant scientist, brilliant yet eccentric, lawless, short-tempered, and selfish.
Setting: London (urban chaos) and Iping village (rural curiosity).

Board Exam Info

In the Telangana (TSBSE) Class 10 English board exams, supplementary chapters like 'Footprints without Feet' usually carry around 4 to 8 marks. Questions commonly include short answer questions testing plot comprehension and character sketches (such as Griffin or Mrs. Hall), as well as paragraph-type questions on the moral theme of the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were the two boys in London fascinated by the footprints?

The two boys were fascinated because they kept seeing fresh, muddy footmarks on the steps of a house, but the actual person leaving the footprints was completely invisible.

How did Griffin escape from the London store?

Griffin escaped when the store assistants arrived in the morning; he panicked and began to run, forcing him to strip off all his newly acquired clothes to remain invisible and escape capture.

What makes Griffin a lawless person?

Griffin is considered lawless because he sets his landlord's house on fire, steals food and clothes without paying, breaks into a theatrical company shop, and attacks people when his identity is threatened.

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