NCERT Solution of Footprints without Feet Class 10 English

NCERT Solutions for “Footprints Without Feet” Class 10 English. NCERT Solution of The Thief’s Story Class 10 English of the book “Footprints
Without Feet” will explain Footprints without Feet ‘s summary, critical analysis, difficult word meaning, and most important questions.

NCERT Solution of Footprints without Feet Class 10 English

Summary of “Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells

The story “Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells follows the adventures of Griffin, a scientist who discovers how to make himself invisible. The tale begins with two boys observing fresh muddy footprints appearing mysteriously on the steps of a house in London. These footprints belong to Griffin, who has recently become invisible through his scientific experiments.

Griffin’s journey to invisibility starts with his experiments to make the human body transparent. After successfully achieving invisibility by swallowing rare drugs, Griffin finds himself in a predicament. His landlord, disliking him, tries to evict him, prompting Griffin to set fire to his house in revenge. To escape without being seen, Griffin removes his clothes, becoming a homeless wanderer, invisible and vulnerable.

Wandering through London, Griffin steps into mud, leaving visible footprints that the boys follow. To escape the cold, he sneaks into a large London store, helping himself to clothes, food, and wine. However, his presence is discovered the next morning, forcing him to flee and discard his new clothes, becoming invisible once more.

Seeking better disguise, Griffin raids a theatrical shop for clothes and accessories, adopting a new appearance with bandages, dark glasses, a false nose, and side-whiskers. To finance his needs, he robs the shopkeeper, adding theft to his list of transgressions.

Griffin then moves to the village of Iping, booking a room at an inn. His unusual appearance and secretive behavior arouse curiosity and suspicion among the villagers. Mrs. Hall, the innkeeper, initially excuses his eccentricity due to his upfront payment and claims of needing solitude for his scientific work.

Griffin’s stolen money soon runs out, leading to a mysterious burglary at the vicar’s house, where the clergyman’s desk is emptied of money by an unseen thief. Concurrently, strange occurrences in Griffin’s room, such as moving furniture and self-slamming doors, convince Mrs. Hall of supernatural influences.

When confronted by Mrs. Hall and the villagers, Griffin reveals his invisibility by removing his disguise. This revelation terrifies the onlookers, and the constable, Mr. Jaffers, attempts to arrest the headless, invisible Griffin. A chaotic struggle ensues as Griffin sheds his garments and disappears entirely, leaving everyone bewildered.

20 Most Important Points NCERT Solution of Footprints without Feet Class 10 English

1. 👣 Mysterious Footprints: Two boys discover fresh muddy footprints appearing out of nowhere.
2. 🔬 Griffin’s Experiment: Scientist Griffin discovers how to make the human body invisible.
3. 🔥 House on Fire: Griffin sets fire to his house in revenge against his landlord.
4. 👻 Invisible Wanderer: Griffin becomes invisible and homeless, wandering the streets.
5. 🛍️ Store Break-in: Griffin breaks into a London store for warmth and steals clothes and food.
6. 🏃 Narrow Escape: Discovered by store assistants, Griffin escapes by shedding his clothes again.
7. 🎭 Theatrical Disguise: Griffin steals theatrical props to disguise himself, including bandages and a false nose.
8. 💰 Robbery: Griffin robs a shopkeeper for money, adding theft to his crimes.
9. 🏡 Village of Iping: Griffin moves to Iping, seeking solitude and booking a room at an inn.
10. 🗣️ Curious Villagers: Griffin’s strange appearance and behavior spark curiosity among the villagers.
11. 👩‍🔬 Mrs. Hall’s Tolerance: Innkeeper Mrs. Hall excuses Griffin’s eccentricity due to his advance payment.
12. 💸 Out of Money: Griffin’s stolen money runs out, leading to further criminal activities.
13. 🕵️ Burglary: A mysterious burglary occurs at the vicar’s house, suspected to be Griffin’s doing.
14. 🪑 Haunted Room: Strange occurrences in Griffin’s room convince Mrs. Hall of supernatural influences.
15. 👩‍👦 Confrontation: Mrs. Hall confronts Griffin about his strange behavior and the haunted room.
16. 🧙 Invisibility Revealed: Griffin reveals his invisibility by removing his disguise, terrifying the villagers.
17. 👮 Constable Jaffers: Constable Jaffers attempts to arrest the invisible Griffin.
18. 🤼 Chaotic Struggle: A chaotic struggle ensues as Griffin sheds his clothes and disappears entirely.
19. 😨 Terrified Onlookers: Villagers are left bewildered and terrified by the invisible Griffin.
20. 🔍 Mystery and Science: The story explores themes of scientific discovery and the ethical implications of invisibility.

Read and Find Out

Q1: How did the invisible man first become visible? Ans: The invisible man, Griffin, first became visible when he stepped in some mud, leaving behind footprints that were noticed by two boys. These footprints revealed his presence as he walked through the streets.

Q2: Why was he wandering the streets? Ans: Griffin was wandering the streets because he had become invisible and, without clothes or money, he had no place to stay. He had set fire to his landlord’s house in revenge, which forced him to flee and live as a homeless wanderer.

Read and Find Out

Q3: Why does Mrs. Hall find the scientist eccentric? Ans: Mrs. Hall finds the scientist eccentric because he arrives at the inn in winter, wrapped in bandages and wearing dark glasses, and insists on being left alone. He pays in advance and exhibits strange habits and a quick temper.

Q4: What curious episode occurs in the study? Ans: The curious episode in the study occurs when the clergyman and his wife hear noises and the sound of money being taken from their desk, but find the room empty when they investigate. The money is missing, but there is no visible culprit.

Q5: What other extraordinary things happen at the inn? Ans: Other extraordinary things at the inn include Mrs. Hall hearing a sniff close to her ear, seeing a hat flying into her face, and a chair springing into the air and pushing them out of the room. These strange occurrences make her believe the room is haunted.

10 Most Important Questions and Answers from “Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells

1. How did Griffin first become visible after becoming invisible?
   • Griffin became visible when he stepped into some mud, leaving footprints as he walked. This allowed the two boys to see the fresh muddy imprints of his bare feet, revealing his presence.
2. Why was Griffin wandering the streets of London?
   • Griffin was wandering the streets because he had to flee after setting fire to his landlord’s house. To avoid being seen, he removed his clothes, making himself invisible but also homeless and vulnerable.
3. What experiment did Griffin carry out to make himself invisible?
   • Griffin conducted numerous experiments and finally swallowed certain rare drugs that made his body as transparent as a sheet of glass, while remaining solid.
4. Why did Griffin enter a large London store, and what did he do there?
   • Griffin entered the store to escape the cold mid-winter air. He helped himself to warm clothes, food, and drink. He fitted himself with shoes, an overcoat, and a wide-brimmed hat to become visible again.
5. What happened when Griffin was discovered in the London store the next morning?
   • Griffin panicked and ran when the store assistants discovered him. He escaped by quickly taking off his newly found clothes, becoming invisible and naked in the January chill once more.
6. Why did Griffin go to the village of Iping, and how did he behave there?
   • Griffin went to Iping to seek solitude and continue his experiments undisturbed. He booked two rooms at the local inn and behaved secretively, arousing curiosity and suspicion among the villagers.
7. What was Mrs. Hall’s initial reaction to Griffin’s eccentric behavior?
   • Mrs. Hall, the innkeeper, initially tolerated Griffin’s eccentric behavior because he had paid her in advance and claimed he needed solitude for his work. She excused his strange habits and irritable temper.
8. What mysterious events occurred in the clergyman’s study and Griffin’s room at the inn?
   • The clergyman and his wife were awakened by noises and discovered money missing from the study, but found the room empty. Later, Mrs. Hall experienced moving furniture and slamming doors in Griffin’s room, which convinced her of supernatural influences.
9. How did Griffin reveal his invisibility to the villagers?
   • When confronted by Mrs. Hall and the villagers about his strange behavior, Griffin became furious and threw off his bandages, whiskers, spectacles, and false nose, revealing himself as a headless man and terrifying the onlookers.
10. What was the reaction of Constable Jaffers when he arrived to arrest Griffin?

• Constable Jaffers was surprised to find that he had to arrest a man without a head. Despite this, he attempted to fulfill his duty. A remarkable struggle ensued as Griffin shed his clothes and became completely invisible, leaving the constable and villagers bewildered.

Questions and Answers for “Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells

1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment. Griffin, despite his brilliance, exhibited a complete disregard for law and order. His actions, such as setting his landlord’s house on fire, stealing clothes and money, and assaulting the shopkeeper, highlight his lawlessness. Instead of using his scientific discovery for the betterment of society, he indulges in criminal activities, showcasing his moral corruption and lack of ethical considerations.
2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist? Griffin is a brilliant but morally flawed scientist. His discovery of invisibility is groundbreaking and demonstrates his intellectual prowess. However, his lack of ethical restraint and misuse of his invention for personal gain and revenge reveal his irresponsible and dangerous side. His scientific genius is marred by his unethical and criminal behavior.
3. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee if you did? Becoming invisible could have both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, it could provide opportunities for exploration, observation, and avoiding danger. However, the disadvantages could include isolation, the temptation to misuse the power for unethical purposes, and potential difficulty in rejoining society. The moral implications and the responsibility of having such a power must also be considered.
4. 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? Yes, there are invisible forces like magnetism, gravity, and various electromagnetic waves. Aspects of matter, such as atoms and molecules, are also invisible to the naked eye. If we could see these forces and aspects of matter, it would drastically alter our perception of the world. We would gain a deeper understanding of the physical interactions and the fundamental structures that govern our environment, though it might also be overwhelming and complex to comprehend.
5. 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!) Glass and water are transparent because their atomic structures allow light to pass through with minimal scattering. The molecules in these materials do not absorb much visible light, allowing it to transmit through. While the concept of human invisibility is intriguing, it remains within the realm of science fiction due to the complexities involved in altering the human body’s interaction with light. However, with advancements in science, particularly in optics and materials science, partial invisibility or cloaking technologies might become feasible in the future.

Detailed Explanation and Analysis

Footprints Without Feet by H.G. Wells

Central Idea: The central idea of the story revolves around the misuse of scientific discovery. Griffin, a brilliant scientist, discovers a way to make himself invisible but uses this power for personal gain and unlawful activities, leading to his downfall.

Theme:

1. Science and Ethics: The story explores the ethical implications of scientific discoveries. Griffin’s lack of moral restraint leads to chaos and disaster.
2. Isolation: Griffin’s invisibility isolates him from society, making him a lonely and desperate figure.
3. Power and Corruption: Griffin’s invisibility gives him power, but it corrupts him, leading to criminal actions and ultimately his demise.

Critical Explanation of the Chapter “Footprints Without Feet”

Summary: “Footprints Without Feet” is a story by H.G. Wells about a scientist named Griffin who discovers how to make himself invisible. Griffin misuses his discovery for personal gain and unlawful activities, leading to a series of misadventures. The story highlights the ethical implications of scientific advancements and the consequences of their misuse.

Detailed Explanation: The story begins with two boys noticing fresh muddy footprints appearing mysteriously on the steps of a house in London. These footprints belong to Griffin, a scientist who has discovered how to make his body invisible by swallowing certain drugs. Despite his brilliance, Griffin is depicted as a lawless and vengeful person. He sets his landlord’s house on fire after a disagreement and becomes a wanderer, completely invisible but without clothes or money.

Griffin’s invisibility allows him to escape detection initially, but it also causes significant problems. He finds it challenging to survive the cold winter without clothes and resorts to stealing from a London store for warmth and food. However, his thefts make him visible again, and he is forced to flee when the store employees arrive the next morning.

Seeking better cover, Griffin steals theatrical supplies to disguise himself, attacking the shopkeeper in the process. His strange appearance and behavior draw suspicion, especially after a series of unexplained events at an inn in the village of Iping, where he takes refuge. Griffin’s invisibility allows him to cause chaos and commit further crimes without being detected, but it also isolates him from society.

The story concludes with Griffin being pursued by the police after revealing his invisibility. Despite his scientific genius, Griffin’s lack of ethical considerations and criminal actions lead to his downfall.

Vocabulary: Difficult Words and Their Meanings

1. Eccentric (सनकी)
   • Meaning: Unconventional and slightly strange
   • Synonyms: Odd, quirky
   • Antonyms: Conventional, normal
2. Transparent (पारदर्शी)
   • Meaning: Allowing light to pass through
   • Synonyms: Clear, see-through
   • Antonyms: Opaque, cloudy
3. Lawless (कानूनहीन)
   • Meaning: Not governed by laws
   • Synonyms: Unruly, anarchic
   • Antonyms: Law-abiding, orderly
4. Revenge (बदला)
   • Meaning: Inflicting harm in return for a wrong
   • Synonyms: Retaliation, vengeance
   • Antonyms: Forgiveness, pardon
5. Haunted (प्रेतवाधित)
   • Meaning: Inhabited by ghosts
   • Synonyms: Possessed, ghostly
   • Antonyms: Unhaunted
6. Bewildered (हक्का-बक्का)
   • Meaning: Confused and puzzled
   • Synonyms: Baffled, confused
   • Antonyms: Clearheaded, unconfused
7. Extraordinary (असाधारण)
   • Meaning: Very unusual or remarkable
   • Synonyms: Exceptional, incredible
   • Antonyms: Ordinary, common
8. Invisible (अदृश्य)
   • Meaning: Unable to be seen
   • Synonyms: Hidden, unseen
   • Antonyms: Visible, seen
9. Irritable (चिड़चिड़ा)
   • Meaning: Easily annoyed
   • Synonyms: Short-tempered, peevish
   • Antonyms: Calm, patient
10. Suspicion (संदेह)
    • Meaning: A feeling of doubt
    • Synonyms: Distrust, doubt
    • Antonyms: Trust, confidence
11. Bitterly (कड़वेपन से)
    • Meaning: In an angry or resentful way
    • Synonyms: Resentfully, harshly
    • Antonyms: Mildly, sweetly
12. Hysterics (उन्माद)
    • Meaning: Wildly emotional reaction
    • Synonyms: Frenzy, panic
    • Antonyms: Calmness, composure
13. Spectacles (चश्मा)
    • Meaning: Glasses worn to correct vision
    • Synonyms: Eyeglasses, glasses
    • Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
14. Constable (सिपाही)
    • Meaning: A police officer
    • Synonyms: Policeman, lawman
    • Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
15. Disguise (भेस)
    • Meaning: Change appearance to conceal identity
    • Synonyms: Camouflage, mask
    • Antonyms: Reveal, expose
16. Burglary (सेंधमारी)
    • Meaning: Illegal entry to commit theft
    • Synonyms: Theft, break-in
    • Antonyms: Donation, contribution
17. Furious (क्रोधित)
    • Meaning: Extremely angry
    • Synonyms: Enraged, irate
    • Antonyms: Calm, composed
18. Bandages (पट्टी)
    • Meaning: Material used to bind a wound
    • Synonyms: Gauze, dressing
    • Antonyms: (No direct antonym)
19. Fascinated (मोहित)
    • Meaning: Strongly attracted
    • Synonyms: Captivated, enthralled
    • Antonyms: Bored, indifferent
20. Theatrical (नाटकीय)
    • Meaning: Relating to acting or theater
    • Synonyms: Dramatic, showy
    • Antonyms: Subdued, restrained

Central Idea:

The central idea of “Footprints Without Feet” is the ethical use of scientific discoveries. The story illustrates how Griffin’s misuse of his invention for invisibility leads to criminal behavior and his eventual isolation and downfall.

Theme:

1. Science and Ethics: The narrative underscores the importance of using scientific advancements responsibly.
2. Isolation: Griffin’s invisibility isolates him from society, highlighting the consequences of abusing power.
3. Power and Corruption: The story examines how power can corrupt, as seen through Griffin’s unlawful actions after gaining invisibility.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. Why did Griffin set his landlord’s house on fire?
   • Griffin set his landlord’s house on fire in revenge because the landlord tried to evict him.
2. How did Griffin become invisible?
   • Griffin became invisible by swallowing certain rare drugs that made his body as transparent as glass.
3. What difficulties did Griffin face as an invisible man?
   • Griffin faced numerous difficulties including being cold and homeless, needing to steal clothes and food, and being constantly on the run to avoid detection.
4. How did Griffin’s invisibility affect his interactions with people?
   • Griffin’s invisibility led to strange and fearful reactions from people, and he used it to commit crimes, which further isolated him.
5. What did the villagers suspect about Griffin after the burglary?
   • The villagers suspected Griffin of being involved in the burglary at the clergyman’s house because he had money shortly after admitting he had none.

Important Questions

1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.
   • Griffin, though a brilliant scientist, showed a blatant disregard for laws and ethics, committing acts of arson, theft, and assault, which defined him as a lawless person.
2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
   • Griffin was highly intelligent and innovative, successfully making himself invisible. However, his unethical behavior and misuse of his discovery make him a negative example of a scientist.

Thought-Provoking Questions

1. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee if you did?
   • Becoming invisible could offer privacy and freedom of movement. However, it also poses risks like ethical temptations, social isolation, and physical dangers.
2. 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 aspects of matter?
   • Invisible forces like magnetism and aspects of matter such as microscopic particles play crucial roles in our understanding of the universe. If visible, it could revolutionize scientific observation and our interaction with the world.
3. 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?
   • Transparency in materials like glass and water is due to their molecular structure, which allows light to pass through with minimal scattering. While human invisibility remains theoretical, advancements in science could potentially make it a reality in the future.

20 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with answers for the chapter “Footprints Without Feet” by H.G. Wells:

“Footprints Without Feet” MCQs

1. Who is the author of “Footprints Without Feet”?
   • a) Jules Verne
   • b) H.G. Wells
   • c) Mark Twain
   • d) Robert Louis Stevenson
   • Answer: b) H.G. Wells
2. What is the main character’s name in the story?
   • a) Dr. Kemp
   • b) Mr. Hall
   • c) Griffin
   • d) Marvel
   • Answer: c) Griffin
3. What discovery did Griffin make?
   • a) A cure for blindness
   • b) A formula to become invisible
   • c) A time travel machine
   • d) A way to fly
   • Answer: b) A formula to become invisible
4. Where did Griffin first experiment with his invisibility?
   • a) At a university
   • b) In a laboratory
   • c) In a busy street
   • d) In a store
   • Answer: b) In a laboratory
5. What did Griffin do after becoming invisible?
   • a) He helped people
   • b) He played pranks on people
   • c) He committed crimes
   • d) He traveled to different countries
   • Answer: c) He committed crimes
6. Where did Griffin find shelter after running away?
   • a) An inn in Iping
   • b) A friend’s house
   • c) A barn in the countryside
   • d) A school
   • Answer: a) An inn in Iping
7. Who were the owners of the inn where Griffin stayed?
   • a) The Marvels
   • b) The Thompsons
   • c) The Halls
   • d) The Kemp family
   • Answer: c) The Halls
8. What was the reaction of the villagers when they learned about Griffin’s invisibility?
   • a) They were excited
   • b) They were indifferent
   • c) They were frightened and curious
   • d) They wanted to help him
   • Answer: c) They were frightened and curious
9. What did Griffin do to hide his identity at the inn?
   • a) He wore a mask
   • b) He used bandages to cover his face
   • c) He wore a hat and sunglasses
   • d) He grew a beard
   • Answer: b) He used bandages to cover his face
10. Why did Mrs. Hall become suspicious of Griffin?
    • a) He was very friendly
    • b) He paid her a lot of money
    • c) He behaved strangely and stayed indoors
    • d) He told her about his experiments
    • Answer: c) He behaved strangely and stayed indoors
11. What did Griffin do to the furniture in Mrs. Hall’s inn when she confronted him?
    • a) He repaired it
    • b) He threw it at her
    • c) He set it on fire
    • d) He made it move around invisibly
    • Answer: d) He made it move around invisibly
12. Who did Griffin make an accomplice in his plans?
    • a) Dr. Kemp
    • b) Mr. Hall
    • c) Marvel
    • d) Mrs. Hall
    • Answer: c) Marvel
13. What did Marvel do for Griffin?
    • a) He found him a place to stay
    • b) He helped him steal
    • c) He contacted the police
    • d) He became his bodyguard
    • Answer: b) He helped him steal
14. What was Griffin’s ultimate goal?
    • a) To help humanity
    • b) To become rich and powerful
    • c) To gain scientific recognition
    • d) To live a peaceful life
    • Answer: b) To become rich and powerful
15. How did Griffin’s story end?
    • a) He became a famous scientist
    • b) He lived happily ever after
    • c) He was caught and killed
    • d) He regained visibility and lived a normal life
    • Answer: c) He was caught and killed
16. What was the primary reason for Griffin’s downfall?
    • a) His greed and misuse of his discovery
    • b) His fear of people
    • c) His need for invisibility
    • d) His inability to speak
    • Answer: a) His greed and misuse of his discovery
17. What moral lesson can be derived from “Footprints Without Feet”?
    • a) Science should be used for the welfare of humanity
    • b) Curiosity leads to trouble
    • c) It is good to be invisible
    • d) Power is everything
    • Answer: a) Science should be used for the welfare of humanity
18. Who helps Griffin’s secret to be discovered by the public?
    • a) Marvel
    • b) Dr. Kemp
    • c) Mrs. Hall
    • d) The police
    • Answer: b) Dr. Kemp
19. Why did Griffin trust Dr. Kemp initially?
    • a) They were old friends
    • b) Dr. Kemp promised to help him
    • c) Dr. Kemp was also a scientist
    • d) He had no one else to turn to
    • Answer: a) They were old friends
20. What ultimately led to Griffin’s capture?
    • a) His visible footprints
    • b) His inability to find food
    • c) Betrayal by his accomplice
    • d) His uncontrollable anger
    • Answer: d) His uncontrollable anger

These questions cover key plot points, characters, themes, and moral lessons from the chapter “Footprints Without Feet.”

NCERT Solution of Footprints without Feet Class 10 English: PDF