Footprints without Feet Summary Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Chapter 5

Key Points of the Story

• Griffin: Scientist discovers invisibility using rare drugs.
• Becomes homeless after setting fire to his house and fleeing naked.
• Leaves muddy footprints in London, attracting attention.
• Hides in store, steals clothes, food, and becomes visible temporarily.
• Disguises with bandages, glasses, and robs a theatrical shop.
• Moves to Iping village, stays at an inn, raises suspicion.
• Clergyman’s money stolen; furniture behaves oddly.
• Reveals invisibility by removing disguises during confrontation.
• Escapes after chaotic encounter with constable and villagers.
• Themes: misuse of science, isolation, and fear of the unknown.

Detailed Summary

They were unknowingly following a scientist named Griffin who had discovered how to make his body transparent. By swallowing special drugs, Griffin turned invisible yet remained solid. However, he was not a lawful person and had set a house on fire in revenge, which led to his homelessness and invisibility. Griffin's adventures continued as he roamed London in the winter cold, struggling without clothes. To survive, he sneaked into a store after closing time, clothed himself, and feasted on food he found. Unfortunately, he overslept and had to escape without his newfound clothes, becoming invisible again. Desperate for clothes and a disguise, Griffin plundered a theatrical shop, emerging with bandages, glasses, a false nose, whiskers, and a hat to cover his headless appearance. 

Fleeing the city, he arrived at an inn in Iping, where his strange presence stirred gossip among the locals. The situation escalated when money went missing from a clergyman's home, leading to suspicions falling on Griffin. The climax arrived when Mrs. Hall, the innkeeper's wife, confronted Griffin about his strange activities, prompting him to reveal his invisibility by shedding his disguises, shocking everyone present. The village constable, Mr. Jaffers, attempted to arrest the invisible Griffin, resulting in a chaotic struggle where Griffin fought back unseen, eventually knocking out the constable and escaping into the night. 

Despite the villagers' attempts to capture him, Griffin remained invisible and elusive, causing confusion and chaos wherever he went. The tale of the headless, invisible man became a mystery and a source of fear in the quiet village of Iping. And so, the invisible Griffin's escapades continued, leaving a trail of bewilderment and disbelief in his wake as he navigated a world that could not see him but felt the impact of his presence.

Theme/ Message

The story highlights invisibility, isolation, and the misuse of science. Griffin’s invisibility leads to chaos, his solitude reflects loneliness, and his unethical actions show the dangers of unchecked ambition.

Message: 

The story underscores the dangers of isolation, showing how it leads to Griffin's destructive behavior. It emphasizes the ethical responsibilities associated with scientific advancements and highlights how actions have far-reaching consequences, as seen through Griffin's choices.

Difficult Words

• Transparent - see-through, clear 
• Lawless - without following the law 
• Revenge - to harm someone in return for being harmed 
• Eject - to force someone to leave 
• Homeless - without a home 
• Assistant - a person who helps someone else 
• Eccentric - unconventional, strange 
• Hysterics - a state of extreme emotion 
• Mysterious - difficult to understand or explain 
• Constable - a police officer 
• Magistrate - a judge 
• Unconscious - not awake or aware 
• Consequences - results or effects of actions 
• Misuse - using something in the wrong way 
• Loneliness - feeling alone and isolated