The Invisible Man

Fiction | Novella | Adult | Published in 1897

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-6

Chapters 7-10

Chapters 11-15

Chapters 16-20

Chapter 21-Epilogue

Character Analysis

Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Tools

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Discussion Questions

Essay Topics

What is the historical context of The Invisible Man? How did the era during which the novel was written influence Wells?

How are the villagers portrayed in comparison with the highly educated Griffin and Dr. Kemp?

How is religion portrayed throughout the novel? What about the relationship between religion and science?

Why might Griffin have chosen to pursue invisibility? What advantages could he gain from invisibility? What does invisibility symbolize in the text?

Why does the novel begin in Iping? Why might the plot take place in the countryside, rather than London?

What is the significance of Whit Monday? How does it reinforce the novel’s themes? Why does Wells include this particular holiday?

Compare and contrast Griffin and Dr. Kemp

Analyze Wells’ inspiration by Plato’s tale of the ring of Gyges. Why might an author in the late 1800s want to retell that story from the 4th century BC?

Much of science fiction explores the dangers of scientific progress. Does the novel make a statement about scientific development?

10.

How does Wells achieve what is referred to as early horror? What techniques does he use to create fear and suspense in the novel? Why is the Invisible Man so scary, even before he turns criminal?