The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells - Essay Example

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells Briefly, the Invisible Man is a story about an invisible scientist who devotes himself in discovering the concept of invisibility and this alienates him from other members of the society. The novel starts with a stranger arriving at a town called Iping and he does not get along with the villagers or members of this town, and so, he spends most of his time engaging something scientific in his room. Thereafter, he becomes a figure of sympathy and mystery, and when his means of support fades, he starts stealing from others and he views crimes as the most appropriate way to continue with his research to reverse his invisibility.

Later on, the villagers accuse him of robbery and he decides to take off all his clothes and reveals to them that he is invisible. He then fights the villagers and flees forcing a homeless man called Marvel to help him (Wells 43). While in another town, Port Stowe, the invisible man steal money and drops it in Marvel’s pocket and this forces Marvel to run to Burdock. The Invisible Man makes an attempt to kill him but the crowd fight him off. Thereafter, the invisible man takes refuge in Dr.

Kemp’s home (Wells 68), and Kemp happens to be his old friend and at this point, the audience become aware of his name, Griffin. He confides to Kemp about his plans to create a reign of terror based on his invisibility discovery, and Kemp promises not to betray Griffin but again, he decides not to allow Griffin continue with his plans; eventually, Griffin is subdued and killed by the mob. This essay provides an analysis of Wells’ the Invisible Man exploring particularly on what makes the novel interesting, artistic as well as meaningful.

Indeed, the entire story is funny and interesting and it makes the audience have many scenes played in their minds as slapstick. Actually, Wells’ story is a reflection of what really happens in many societies today. Accordingly, Wells employs characters, motif and other artistic works to successfully develop the story. To begin with, he uses the Invisible Man, Griffin, as the protagonist character to establish a well-structured and detailed storyline. The entire story revolves around Griffin as the Invisible Man who is perceived as a stranger and is isolated from the rest of societal members.

More so, some of the stylistic devices have been used by Wells to make the story interesting and successful. Dogs have been used to symbolize the obstructions Griffin from proceeding with his plans and this is a mechanism used by the author to teach individuals to be vigilant. Arguably, the intended meaning of this novel is to clarify some of the societal issues that affect individuals and the type of relationships people develop with others as well as the type of activities that they undertake.

Some of the prevailing themes in this novel include isolation, for instance, this novel is all about a man who has no family, no friend and no one at all to relate to. This man is isolated from others and the larger society and he stands alone because he does not get along with anyone in the society. Secondly, Wells introduces the community as a theme and exposes varieties of communities such as the small village, larger village as well as the city so as to show how the invisible man is isolated.

More so, science is one of the leading themes in this novel, and this is reflected when the scientists try to find ways to work out societal problems. Accordingly, the invisible man found a way to turn himself and others invisible, and he uses himself as the subject to discover the key to invisibility. Based on his research, Griffin discovers that he can alter the body’s refractive index so as to absorb all the light and reflect none enabling him to be invisible. In addition, wealth is also a developed theme developed in this novel, for instance, the invisible man revolves around an isolated mad scientist fighting against the larger community.

Furthermore, there is also the theme of identity that has been portrayed in this novel, that is, the identity of the invisible man is completely unknown, for instance, at the beginning of chapter one, he is described as “the stranger” (Wells 7). Some of these themes perfectly match the human condition and relations in the society such as the persistent struggle for wealth, identity and anonymity, and some people in the society are isolated. Some people may choose to be invisible for certain reasons like to get some activities done without the exposure of their identity.

Works Cited Wells, Herbert G. The Invisible Man: A Grotesque Romance. Rockville, Md: Phoenix Pick, 2008. Print.