Class 10 English - WEST-BENGAL
Supplementary: Footprints without Feet
Supplementary: Footprints without Feet by H.G. Wells is an engaging story about Griffin, a brilliant scientist who discovers how to make his body transparent. However, instead of using his scientific breakthrough for the greater good, he misuses his invisibility for selfish acts, lawlessness, and petty thefts. This chapter highlights the moral that misuse of science and intelligence without ethics leads to isolation and ruin. For West Bengal (WBBSE) Class 10 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis, and thematic understanding through short and long-answer questions.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Griffin's Invisibility Discovery
Griffin discovers a rare chemical formula that makes human flesh transparent like a sheet of solid glass, though he remains as solid as glass.
Misuse of Science
Griffin uses his invisibility for malicious purposes, such as setting fire to his landlord's house out of revenge and stealing from stores without getting caught.
Lawless Scientist
Without clothes or money in the cold winter of London, Griffin becomes a homeless wanderer who breaks into shops and a theatrical company for survival and disguise.
The Iping Episode
Griffin escapes to the quiet village of Iping, renting a room at an inn, where his eccentric behavior, bandaged face, and mysterious experiments arouse suspicion among the villagers.
Theme of Morality
The story serves as a cautionary tale emphasizing that intellectual brilliance must be guided by moral responsibility and empathy towards society.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the West Bengal Board (WBBSE) Class 10 English examination, supplementary chapters like Footprints without Feet typically carry around 5 to 8 marks. Questions usually include multiple-choice questions (MCQs), short answer type questions (2-3 marks) focusing on plot details, and long answer type questions (5 marks) requiring character sketches of Griffin or moral lessons from the story.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Griffin set his landlord's house on fire?
Griffin's landlord disliked him and tried to eject him. In revenge, Griffin set the house on fire and had to remove his clothes to escape without being seen, leaving him homeless and shivering in the cold London winter.
How did Griffin manage to hide his identity in the London store?
Griffin entered a big London store for warmth, where he ate cold meat and sweets, drank coffee, and slept on a pile of quilts. In the morning, he wore warm clothes, shoes, an overcoat, and a fake nose and hat to conceal his invisible face.
What lesson does the story 'Footprints without Feet' teach us?
The story teaches us that science should be used for the welfare of humanity. Misusing scientific discoveries for selfish, criminal, and destructive purposes leads to a miserable life and moral downfall.
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