Footprints Without Feet: The Story of Griffin, the Invisible Scientist | Class 10 Notes
Read and Find Out (Part 1)
Q: How did the invisible man become invisible?
Ans: Griffin swallowed certain rare drugs that made his body as transparent as a sheet of glass, though it remained as solid as glass.
Q: Why was he wandering the streets?
Ans: He was a homeless wanderer because he had set fire to his landlord's house and had to remove his clothes to escape without being seen.
Read and Find Out (Part 2)
Q: Why does Mrs. Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Ans: Mrs. Hall finds Griffin eccentric for several reasons: He arrives at an inn in mid-winter, which is an unusual time for visitors. His appearance is strange, with his face covered in bandages and dark glasses. He has no desire to talk and explicitly tells her he desires solitude and does not want to be disturbed.
Q: What curious episode occurs in the study?
Ans: A clergyman and his wife are awakened by the chink of money being taken from the clergyman's desk. Although they hear the sound of the coins and see the desk open, the room appears to be completely empty. The thief is invisible, making it a very "curious episode."
Q: What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?
Ans: Several strange events occur: The bedroom chair suddenly becomes alive and attacks Mrs. Hall. Griffin’s door, which is usually locked, is found wide open. Most shockingly, Griffin later reveals himself by removing his bandages, whiskers, and spectacles, appearing as a "headless" man before the terrified villagers.
Think About It:
Q1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.
Ans: Griffin was a brilliant scientist but lacked a moral compass. He used his discovery for personal revenge by burning his landlord's house. Instead of contributing to science, he used invisibility to steal clothes, food, and money, and even attacked innocent people, proving he had no respect for the law.
Q2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
Ans: As a scientist, Griffin was undoubtedly brilliant and dedicated, as he successfully discovered the formula for invisibility. However, he was a "mad scientist" because he lacked the ethics to use his invention for the good of humanity.
Talk About It:
Q1. Would you like to become invisible? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
Ans: While the idea is exciting, invisibility brings both pros and cons.
Advantages: One could help people in secret, catch criminals, or explore restricted places.
Disadvantages: As seen in the story, it can lead to loneliness, cold (as you must be naked), and the temptation to do wrong.
Extra 1 Mark Question Answer:
A. Who was Griffin?
Ans: A brilliant but lawless scientist.
B. Where did he stay in Iping?
Ans: At the Coach and Horses inn.
C. What did he steal from the clergyman’s house?
Ans: Money.
D. Who was Mr. Jaffers?
Ans: The village constable of Iping.
E. Why was Griffin's body solid like glass?
Ans: Because of the rare drug he swallowed.
F. Why did the two boys in London follow the muddy footprints?
Ans: They were fascinated because the fresh, muddy footprints were appearing seemingly out of nowhere without a visible person making them.
G. What was the name of the shop where Griffin stole the bandages and dark glasses?
Ans: The shop was located in the theatrical company in Drury Lane.
H. Why did Griffin have to take off his newly found clothes in London?
Ans: He had to become invisible again to escape from the shop assistants who had discovered him sleeping in the store.
I. What did Griffin use to hit Mrs. Hall and her husband?
Ans: He used a bedroom chair which appeared to become "alive" and pushed them out of the room.
J. Why was it a "bad time of year" to be invisible in London?
Ans: It was mid-winter, and without clothes, Griffin was shivering and suffering from the extreme cold.
MCQs with Answer Key:
Q1. Griffin discovered a drug that made him:
A) Brave B) Invisible C) Intelligent D) Strong
Q2. What did Griffin do to his landlord's house?
A) Painted it B) Sold it C) Set it on fire D) Cleaned it
Q3. The shop Griffin entered in London for clothes was a:
A) Medical store B) Big department store C) Toy shop D) Grocery store
Q4. Where did Griffin decide to go to escape the crowded London?
A) Paris B) Iping C) Oxford D) Cambridge
Q5. What was the name of the Innkeeper's wife?
A) Mrs. Hall B) Mrs. Pumphrey C) Mrs. Higgins D) Mrs. Joe
Q6. Griffin’s face was covered with:
A) A mask B) Bandages C) Paint D) A scarf
Q7. The constable Mr. Jaffers had to arrest a man:
A) With no legs B) With no arms C) With no head D) With no eyes
Q8. The "curious episode" took place in the:
A) Bedroom B) Kitchen C) Study D) Garden
Q9. Mrs. Hall was convinced the room was haunted by:
A) Ghosts B) Spirits C) Spirits and furniture D) Scientists
Q10. How did Griffin finally escape from the constable?
A) By running fast B) By jumping out a window C) By taking off all his clothes D) By fighting back
Answer Key
1-B, 2-C, 3-B, 4-B, 5-A, 6-B, 7-C, 8-C, 9-C, 10-C