“Footprints Without Feet” Class 10 Solutions: It is a short story written by H.G. Wells. It is a part of his book “The Invisible Man”. The story is about a scientist named Griffin who discovers a way to become invisible, but soon realizes the consequences of his actions.
The story is often interpreted as a commentary on the dangers of unchecked scientific progress and the consequences of isolation and detachment from society. It is also a cautionary tale about the consequences of pursuing power and control at any cost.
Here are given answers to textbook exercise questions.
Think About It
1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.
Answer: Griffin was a lawless person as he did not care whether his deeds harmed anyone or not. We can say this keeping in mind the incidents where he set fire to his landlord’s house when the landlord tried to evict him. This was also evident when he committed a robbery at shops and the village, and also when he threw a chair at the landlady of the inn. People like Griffin are never concerned for others, only for themselves.
2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
Ans. Griffin was an excellent scientist since he discovered a way to be invisible. However, he used his discovery for his own enjoyment even if it meant hurting others. He found great pleasure in being invisible and doing whatever he wanted. Because of all this, we would not call him a real scientist as the role of a true scientist is to discover and invent things for the good of mankind and not hurt anyone.
Talk About It
1. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee, if you did?
Ans. I would definitely like to become invisible as it would be a very exciting experience. Being invisible would mean I could do anything I want like pulling harmless pranks as well as helping others. However, if it continues for a long,I would start feeling lonely and isolated as no one will be able to see me which will overpower the excitement of being invisible.
2. Are there forces around us that are invisible, for example, magnetism? Are there aspects of matter that are ‘invisible1 or not visible to the naked eye? What would the world be like if you could see such forces or such aspects of matter?
Ans. There are forces around us that are invisible like electrostatic or magnetic forces. There are aspects of matter that are not visible to the naked eye like subatomic particles or molecules of an element. Other aspects that are not visible to the naked eye, but are present around us are fragrances and smells, sound energy, nuclear energy, wind and heat. If we were able to see all these things then it would become very difficult for us to understand and the world will become complicated.
3. What makes glass or water transparent (what is the scientific explanation for this)? Do you think it would be scientifically possible for a man to become invisible, or transparent? (Keep in mind that writers of science fiction have often turned out to be prophetic in their imagination)
Ans. The reason behind the transparency of glass or water is that light rays can pass through them easily. Contrarily, those objects that reflect light rays are visible to us. If a device is invented that somehow prevents the light reflection from our body and makes it transparent, then it is possible to become invisible.
Thank you so much sir