Footprints without Feet-CBQA

 

Footprints without Feet

Competency-based Questions & Answers

1. Why does the writer say that Griffin had chosen a bad time to be in London without clothes?

The writer says that Griffin had chosen a “bad time to be wandering about London without clothes” because it was the middle of winter—a season when people wore heavy coats, mufflers, and gloves to protect themselves from the biting cold. Being without clothes in such harsh weather not only made Griffin physically uncomfortable but also made him conspicuous. Though he was invisible, the absence of clothing made him vulnerable. Snow would settle directly on him, revealing his footprints, and the freezing temperature made it impossible for him to remain outdoors for long.

 The writer highlights that London, bustling with people, was not a place where an invisible man could roam freely without raising suspicion. The cold forced him to enter stores and houses to steal clothes, food, and shelter. Every attempt brought him closer to being discovered. Thus, the season combined with the crowded city made it a terrible time for an invisible man to survive without garments that could offer both warmth and concealment. Griffin’s scientific triumph turns into a personal struggle due to the timing and circumstances of his invisibility.

2. The neighbours suspected Griffin of burglary. State why this was or was not justified.

The neighbours’ suspicion of Griffin was justified to some extent because his activities seemed mysterious and unexplainable. Mrs. Hall had already felt uneasy due to the “strange occurrences” in the room—furniture moving on its own, doors opening mysteriously, and the scientist’s refusal to show his face. When the burglary occurred at the clergyman’s house, people naturally connected it to the strange guest at the inn who kept himself hidden under bandages and avoided interaction. Griffin’s disappearance from the inn coincided with the theft, and his presence in the region had been marked by unexplained disturbances. Moreover, when the police came, Griffin attacked them and escaped by shedding his clothes, which further strengthened the belief that he was indeed involved in unlawful acts.

Although the neighbours could not see him, his behaviour—secretive, suspicious, and hostile—gave them enough reason to doubt him. Therefore, their suspicion was not baseless but a logical conclusion drawn from surrounding circumstances. Griffin’s invisibility only made the situation more confusing, but his actions contributed significantly to the belief that he was the burglar.

3. What do you think would have happened if Griffin had been caught by Jaffers and the latter hadn’t become unconscious?

If Jaffers had not become unconscious while attempting to catch Griffin, the entire course of events might have changed dramatically. Jaffers was an honest constable who believed it was his duty to arrest Griffin despite the crowd shouting for him to let the invisible man go. Had he succeeded in capturing Griffin, the police would have been able to detain him long enough to reveal the truth about his invisibility. Griffin would likely have been overpowered by multiple policemen and possibly subjected to medical observation, which could have stripped away the mystery surrounding him. Once arrested, Griffin would have had no opportunity to escape, terrorise others, or continue his acts of revenge.

The authorities might have even confined him to prevent misuse of his discovery. Moreover, Griffin’s invisibility would have been exposed scientifically rather than through fear and chaos. Instead of becoming a figure of terror, he might have been studied, restrained, or helped, depending on how he cooperated. His future arc of crime and violence would have been stopped at that very moment, preventing him from becoming more reckless and destructive.

4. If you were a friend of Griffin, what suggestion would you have given to him about how he could use his talent and scientific acumen? Write one suggestion and the reason for giving it.

If I were Griffin’s friend, I would advise him to use his extraordinary scientific discovery for constructive purposes rather than selfish revenge or crime. My suggestion would be: “Offer your invisibility research to the scientific community to develop life-saving technologies.” This advice carries a strong reason. Griffin possesses remarkable intellect and scientific acumen, which could revolutionize fields like defence, rescue operations, or medical imaging. His invisibility could help rescue people in dangerous zones, aid soldiers during reconnaissance missions, or help scientists study organisms without interference.

By sharing his invention ethically, he could earn recognition, respect, and perhaps funding to refine his work. Instead of becoming a fugitive running from society, he could become a celebrated scientist whose name would be remembered for noble contributions. Using his invention ethically would also prevent misuse and ensure that his research benefits humanity. In this way, Griffin could transform his talent from a curse into a legacy.

5. Do you find the story based on being invisible is a mere figment of one’s imagination or a phenomenon that is plausible? Elaborate on your opinion.

The idea of invisibility, as shown in the story, is largely a product of imaginative fiction, but it holds some scientific plausibility. H.G. Wells uses imagination to present a dramatic concept where a scientist makes his body transparent by altering its refractive index. Though this remains impossible with current technology, scientific advances today allow for partial invisibility through optical camouflage, meta-materials, and light-bending surfaces. These experiments show that invisibility, while not achievable for humans, is theoretically possible on a small scale. However, Wells’s version—where a man becomes fully invisible yet functional—still belongs to the realm of fantasy.

The biological challenges alone make it impractical; human organs must absorb and reflect light for basic functioning. The story uses invisibility to explore themes of power, corruption, and isolation. It symbolises how scientific discovery without morality becomes destructive. So, while invisibility is not yet achievable in the way the story describes, modern science suggests that some form of it may not be entirely impossible in the future. The story blends imagination with scientific curiosity, making invisibility both exciting and cautionary.

6. Scientists contribute to make the world a better place. Griffin is an antithesis to this statement. Justify.

Scientists are expected to use knowledge responsibly to improve society, solve problems, and innovate for humanity’s benefit. Griffin, however, is an antithesis to this ideal. Instead of using his brilliance for constructive purposes, he channels his intellect into destructive and selfish activities. He develops a formula for invisibility—a groundbreaking achievement—but uses it to escape rent, take revenge on his landlord, steal, and terrorise innocent people. His actions reflect irresponsibility and the abuse of science. While other scientists work to save lives, advance medicine, or expand knowledge, Griffin uses science to violate moral boundaries. He becomes arrogant, believing that his invisibility places him above the law and ethics.

Through Griffin, the story highlights the danger of scientific knowledge in the hands of someone without conscience. The author warns that science without humanity becomes harmful. Griffin’s character serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers that scientific progress must be guided by ethics and responsibility to truly make the world a better place.

7. Your teacher conducted a debate in class on the topic ‘Schools must develop scientific temperament in students’. Write any two arguments that you used to supplement your stand, either as a proposition speaker or as an opposition one.

Argument 1 (For): Schools must develop a scientific temperament to help students grow into rational thinkers. Science teaches them to question, observe, experiment, and draw logical conclusions rather than follow superstitions or blindly believe in opinions. Developing such a mindset prepares students to solve real-world problems with clarity and confidence. In a world driven by technology and innovation, scientific thinking is essential for progress.

Argument 2 (Against): Excessive focus on scientific temperament may overshadow the importance of creativity, emotion, and moral values. Not everything in life can be measured or proven through logic. Students need space to imagine, dream, and express themselves artistically. An overemphasis on scientific thinking may limit holistic growth, making education too mechanical and exam-driven. Balance is necessary for overall development.

8. Readers believe that Griffin was a man without conscience. You have a class discussion on why our conscience plays a vital role in shaping our character. Present a summary of your views on this.

During our class discussion, we concluded that conscience plays a vital role in shaping a person’s character because it acts as an inner voice guiding decisions. Conscience helps individuals distinguish right from wrong, encouraging them to act responsibly even when no one is watching. In Griffin’s case, the absence of conscience turned him into a dangerous figure. We discussed how a person without conscience becomes impulsive, self-centred, and harmful to society. Students shared that conscience builds empathy, honesty, and accountability—qualities essential for good character.

It prevents people from misusing talent or intelligence. Without it, even great abilities, like Griffin’s scientific brilliance, can be misdirected. Thus, conscience acts like a moral compass. It shapes attitudes, guides behaviour, and forms the foundation of integrity. A strong conscience leads to a trustworthy character, while its absence leads to destructive choices. The discussion highlighted that conscience is not just a feeling but a powerful force that shapes one’s identity and actions.

9. Griffin set the house on fire when he was thrown out. Anger and revenge are in no way a solution to any problem. You are a columnist for a class X e-zine (magazine). Create a column on the importance of anger management for teens and its detrimental effects on health. 

ANGER DOESN’T RESOLVE, IT DESTROYS

By _________

 Griffin, in Footprints Without Feet, sets the house on fire when he is thrown out by his landlord. His impulsive act teaches us an important lesson—anger and revenge never solve problems; they make situations worse. Teenagers today often deal with pressure, peer comparison, academic expectations, and emotional stress. If not managed properly, anger becomes explosive and harmful. It affects physical health by raising blood pressure, disturbing sleep, and weakening immunity.

It damages relationships, reduces concentration, and leads to irrational decisions. Uncontrolled anger may lead to actions one regrets for life. Teens must learn simple anger-management techniques like deep breathing, physical exercise, journaling, and expressing feelings calmly. Seeking help from trusted adults also prevents emotional buildup. Healthy coping skills shape a confident and emotionally balanced personality. Anger, when managed, becomes strength; when ignored, it becomes destruction.

10.Imagine that Griffin has been caught by the police and is produced in court. He needs to defend himself and prove that he is not guilty of the charges. As Griffin prepare a statement that you would use in court to prove your innocence. 

I have been accused of theft, arson, and disturbing the peace. However, I wish to clarify that my situation is far more complex. I am a scientist who succeeded in an experiment that rendered my body invisible. This discovery, instead of bringing recognition, brought unforeseen dangers. My landlord attempted to evict me without notice, forcing me to flee. I admit that I acted rashly, but my actions were driven by fear, not criminal intent. When invisible, I had no means of earning, travelling, or even protecting myself from the cold.

I was compelled to take food and clothing merely to survive. I harmed no one intentionally. The chaos that followed was a result of panic and the inability of society to understand my condition. I request the court to consider my circumstances and recognize that I am a victim of my own invention rather than a deliberate lawbreaker.