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I. Chapter Summary

“Footprints without Feet” by Herbert George Wells (H.G. Wells) is a fascinating science fiction story that explores the dangers of unchecked ambition and the misuse of science. The story revolves around Griffin, a brilliant but selfish scientist who discovers a way to become invisible by altering his body’s refractive index. However, instead of using his invention for good, Griffin misuses it to commit crimes. He roams through London and Iping, stealing and causing chaos. His evil nature eventually leads to his downfall, reinforcing the idea that misuse of science and lack of morality can lead to destruction.

Themes: Misuse of science, consequences of immoral actions, isolation due to selfishness, invisibility as a metaphor for irresponsibility.

II. Key Concepts Covered

Concept	Explanation
Science and Morality	Science without ethics can be dangerous, as shown by Griffin’s destructive path.
Isolation and Invisibility	Griffin’s invisibility symbolizes his detachment from society and morality.
Consequences of Selfishness	Griffin’s choices lead to fear, distrust, and his eventual downfall.
Fiction vs. Reality	The story combines scientific imagination with moral lessons.
Metaphor of Invisibility	Represents being unseen socially, emotionally, and ethically.

III. Important Questions

(A) Multiple Choice Questions (1 Mark)

1. What is Griffin’s profession?
   • a) Doctor
   • b) Chemist
   • c) Scientist
   • d) Teacher
   • Answer: c) Scientist
2. How did Griffin become invisible?
   • a) By magic
   • b) By using a special potion
   • c) By altering his body’s refractive index
   • d) By taking an invisibility pill
   • Answer: c) By altering his body’s refractive index
3. Why did Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house?
   • a) He was insulted
   • b) He wanted revenge
   • c) He wanted to hide his discovery
   • d) He was being evicted
   • Answer: d) He was being evicted
     (PYQ – 2020)
4. Where did Griffin go after setting the fire?
   • a) To Iping
   • b) To London streets
   • c) To the countryside
   • d) To his lab
   • Answer: b) To London streets

(B) Short Answer Questions (2/3 Marks)

1. Why did Griffin become invisible? (PYQ – 2020)
2. What shows that Griffin was a lawless person?
3. How did the people of Iping react to Griffin’s behavior?
4. Describe how Griffin misused his power of invisibility.

(C) Long Answer Questions (5 Marks)

1. How does the story “Footprints without Feet” highlight the misuse of scientific discovery? (PYQ – 2019)
2. Discuss the character of Griffin. How does his scientific genius become his curse?
3. What is the symbolic significance of invisibility in the story?
4. “With great power comes great responsibility.” Justify this statement with reference to Griffin’s actions.

(D) HOTS (Higher Order Thinking Skills)

1. If Griffin had used his discovery for the welfare of society, how could the story have been different?
2. What moral lesson can modern scientists learn from Griffin’s downfall?

IV. Key Formulas/Concepts

While the chapter is fictional, the key literary and scientific ideas include:

• Refraction: Bending of light (scientific basis behind Griffin’s invisibility).
• Character Sketch: Griffin – brilliant, ambitious, but immoral.
• Theme: Ethics in science, invisible power, alienation, and moral responsibility.
• Irony: Griffin becomes invisible to escape society, but this only increases his problems.

V. Deleted Portions (CBSE 2025–2026)

No portions have been deleted from this chapter as per the rationalized NCERT textbooks (2025–26).

VI. Chapter-Wise Marks Bifurcation (Estimated – CBSE 2025–2026)

Unit/Chapter	Estimated Marks	Type of Questions Typically Asked
Footprints without Feet	6–8 marks	1 MCQ, 1 Short Answer, 1 Long Answer, 1 HOTS

VII. Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Year	Marks	Question
2019	5	“Griffin misused his scientific discovery.” Discuss.
2020	2	Why did Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house?
2021	3	What does the story teach about the use of scientific inventions?

VIII. Real-World Application Examples

• Ethics in Science: Real scientists must act responsibly, whether they work with AI, genetics, or technology.
• Invisibility in Society: The story metaphorically addresses how some people feel “invisible” due to social exclusion.
• Cybersecurity: Just like invisibility, anonymity online can be misused if not regulated.
• Media and Entertainment: The story has inspired many characters (like in Invisible Man, Marvel movies).

IX. Student Tips & Strategies for Success

Time Management

• Allocate 15 minutes weekly to revise each prose chapter.
• Create a timeline of events for better story recall.

Exam Preparation

• Prepare theme-based essays: “Griffin’s misuse of science” or “Invisibility as a metaphor.”
• Practice literary devices like irony, character foil, and symbolism.

Stress Management

• Read aloud to boost comprehension.
• Discuss modern-day ethical dilemmas in science to engage creatively with the text.

X. Career Guidance & Exploration

For Classes 9–10

Streams Overview:

• Science: Learn responsibility with innovation (R&D, biotechnology, space science).
• Commerce: Responsible innovation in business and startups.
• Arts: Understanding characters and morality is crucial for psychology, philosophy, and literature.

Career Connections:

• Ethical Scientist/Researcher
• Science Fiction Author
• Cybersecurity Expert
• Innovator in Tech for Social Good

Relevant Exams:

• NTSE
• English and Science Olympiads
• CBSE Reading and Innovation Challenges

XI. Important Notes

•  Always check ncert.nic.in and cbseacademic.nic.in for the latest syllabus updates.
•  Science and literature intersect in this story—understand both perspectives.
•  Conceptual clarity + creative interpretation = high marks in board exams.