READ AND FIND OUT 

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Q1. How did the invisible man first become visible?

Answer: The invisible man, Griffin, first became visible when he happened to step in some mud and left footprints as he walked. The muddy footprints were seen by two boys in London who were fascinated and followed them until they disappeared.

Q2. Why was he wandering the streets?

Answer: Griffin was wandering the streets because he had set his landlord’s house on fire in revenge for trying to eject him. To escape without being seen, he had to remove his clothes and become a homeless wanderer, without clothes, money, or a place to stay.

READ AND FIND OUT 

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Q1. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?

Answer: Mrs. Hall finds the scientist eccentric because of his unusual appearance and behavior. He is a stranger who arrives at the inn in winter with his face covered in bandages, his eyes hidden by dark glasses, and his head topped with a large hat. He also has no desire to talk and wants to be left alone to work, which she attributes to an accident that has affected his face.

Q2. What curious episode occurs in the study?

Answer: The curious episode that occurs in the study is the burglary of the clergyman’s desk. The clergyman and his wife are awakened by noises in the study and hear the chink of money being taken from the desk. When they open the door, they find the room empty, but the housekeeping money is missing.

Q3. What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?

Answer: Other extraordinary things happen at the inn, such as Mrs. Hall hearing a sniff close to her ear. A moment later, the hat on the bedpost leaps up and dashes itself into her face. Then, the bedroom chair becomes alive, springs into the air, and charges at her. The chair pushes both her and her husband out of the room and slams and locks the door.

Think about it

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Q1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.

Answer: Griffin was indeed a lawless person. He was a brilliant scientist, but he was driven by revenge and personal gain. He set fire to his landlord’s house and became a homeless wanderer. In a London store, he stole clothes and food. In a theatrical company shop, he attacked the shopkeeper and robbed him. In the village of Iping, he committed a burglary at a clergyman’s home and then attacked the constable who came to arrest him. His actions were all in defiance of the law and social order.

Q2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?

Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist, as he succeeded in making himself invisible. This was a remarkable and groundbreaking discovery. However, his actions after the discovery show that he lacked the character and morals of a good scientist. He used his discovery for personal gain and to harm others, turning his genius into a tool for crime. A good scientist should use their knowledge for the betterment of society, but Griffin used it to break the law and cause chaos.

Talk about it

Q1. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee, if you did?

Answer: This is a personal question, and the answer will vary depending on the student’s perspective. A possible answer could be:

Becoming invisible would have many advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

1. I could travel anywhere without a ticket and go to places I’ve never been.
2. I could see the world and learn new things without being noticed.
3. I could play pranks on my friends.
   Disadvantages:
4. I would be a wanderer without clothes, as they would make me visible.
5. I would be lonely, as no one could see or talk to me.
6. I would constantly be in danger of being hurt or trodden upon.

Q2. Are there forces around us that are invisible, for example, magnetism? Are there aspects of matter that are ‘invisible’ or not visible to the naked eye? What would the world be like if you could see such forces or such aspects of matter?

Answer: Yes, there are many invisible forces and aspects of matter around us. Magnetism and gravity are invisible forces. Aspects of matter like atoms, molecules, and subatomic particles are not visible to the naked eye. The world would be very different if we could see these things. We might see the gravitational pull of the Earth or the magnetic fields that surround us, which would make the world look chaotic and full of energy.

Q3. What makes glass or water transparent (what is the scientific explanation for this)? Do you think it would be scientifically possible for a man to become invisible, or transparent? (Keep in mind that writers of science fiction have often turned out to be prophetic in their imagination!)

Answer: Glass and water are transparent because light passes through them without being scattered. The scientific explanation for this is that the molecules in these substances are arranged in such a way that they do not absorb or reflect the light waves. It would be very difficult for a man to become invisible. A human body has complex cells and molecules that absorb light, so even if the surface of the body were to become transparent, the organs and blood inside would still be visible. Additionally, for a person to be invisible, their body would also have to be unable to see, since their eyes would not be able to absorb light.