Show how H.G. Wells presents the theme of loneliness and its effects upon one of the characters in the novel, 'The Invisible Man'.

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Show how H.G. Wells presents the theme of loneliness and its effects upon one of the characters in the novel, ‘The Invisible Man’

H.G Wells was born near London in 1866. Whilst at school of science where he studied biology, he went on to become a writer of science-fiction-novels his first published novel being ‘The Time Machine’ in 1895. He then went on to write many other novels such as, ‘The War of the Worlds’, ‘Love and Mc. Lewisham’, ‘Anticipations’ and ‘The Invisible Man’. A key idea of the late 19th century was nihilism - the fact that eventually, the human race will wipe itself out through war.  This pessimistic view is apparent in many of Wells’ works, and those of other authors including George Orwell.  In fact, George Orwell borrowed many ideas from H.G. Wells. Throughout this essay I will explore the themes of loneliness and its effects upon Griffin.  

 

 The story of ‘The Invisible Man’ is set in England and the majority of it is based in Iping.

‘Who is this strange, aloof man who has so suddenly appeared in the Coach and Horses?’ The character, which these quotations are written about, is Griffin: the scientist who, in ‘The Invisible Man’ by H.G. Wells, has succeeded in turning himself invisible. It is certain that this character in particular within the novel, is a secluded person. Within the text the theme of loneliness is very prominent. Although loneliness is a major theme within this text, there are also other fundamental themes involved. Wells presents the theme of fame, escapism, power, ambition and discovery of science that was very rare in Wells’ time.  

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‘Some days he would come down early and be continuously busy. On others he would rise late, pace his room, fretting audibly for hours together, smoke, sleep in the armchair by the fire.  Communication with the world beyond the village he had none.’

This shows that Griffin is again antisocial; he keeps to himself and does not share things with other people. There is no indication of Griffin spending time with others, but rather spending time in solitude. His antisocial behaviour is of his own doing in that he doesn’t let people get close to him.

Griffin ...

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