Science fiction often pushes the boundaries of imagination while raising important moral questions.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 5, Footprints Without Feet, written by H.G. Wells, presents the thrilling story of Griffin, an invisible man whose brilliance as a scientist is overshadowed by his lawless behaviour.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 5 – Footprints Without Feet
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT – 1
How did the invisible man first become visible?
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT – 1
Why was he wandering in the streets?
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT - 2
Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT - 2
What curious episode occurs in the study?
Q.
READ AND FIND OUT - 2
What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?
Q.
Think about it
“Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.
Q.
Think about it
How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
Q.
Talk about it
Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee, if you did?
Q.
Think about it
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?
Q.
Think about it
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!)
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 5 – Footprints Without Feet
The chapter blends science with suspense and explores themes such as misuse of scientific power, lawlessness, responsibility, and ethics. It highlights how scientific knowledge without moral responsibility can lead to chaos. This chapter is part of the Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet textbook.
The NCERT Solutions for Chapter 5 – Footprints Without Feet given below are written in a simple, exam-focused manner to help students understand the story clearly, answer questions confidently, and prepare well for school and board examinations.
Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet
Chapter 5 Questions & Answers – Footprints Without Feet
Q1. How did the invisible man first become visible?
Solution: The invisible man became visible when he stepped into some mud while wandering without clothes. Later, he entered a large London store and wore clothes, shoes, an overcoat, and a wide-brimmed hat, which made him fully visible.
Q2. Why was he wandering in the streets?
Solution: Griffin was wandering in the streets because he had set fire to his landlord’s house in revenge. To escape unnoticed, he removed his clothes and became invisible. Without money, shelter, or clothes, he turned into a homeless wanderer.
Q3. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Solution: Mrs Hall finds the scientist eccentric because of his strange appearance, secretive behaviour, and desire for complete solitude. He avoided conversation and did not want to be disturbed in his work.
Q4. What curious episode occurs in the study?
Solution: A clergyman and his wife hear noises in the study early one morning and discover that money has been stolen from the desk, even though the room appears completely empty.
Q5. What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?
Solution: The innkeepers find the scientist’s room unlocked and empty, with clothes lying about. Suddenly, objects like a hat and a chair move on their own and attack Mr and Mrs Hall, terrifying them.
Q6. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.
Solution: Griffin proves to be lawless through his actions. He burns his landlord’s house, steals clothes and money, attacks people, and misuses his scientific knowledge. These acts show his disregard for law and morality.
Q7. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
Solution: Griffin was a brilliant scientist who successfully made himself invisible. However, he lacked social responsibility and misused his scientific talent for selfish and criminal purposes.
Q8. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee?
Solution: Becoming invisible could be exciting and useful for helping others or stopping crime. However, it could also be misused, lead to loneliness, and create ethical problems if used irresponsibly.
Q9. Are there invisible forces around us? What would the world be like if we could see them?
Solution: Yes, forces like gravity, magnetism, and sound waves are invisible. If we could see them, the world would be confusing and visually overwhelming.
Q10. What makes glass or water transparent? Is invisibility scientifically possible?
Solution: Glass and water are transparent because light passes through them. Although invisibility is currently science fiction, ongoing research suggests it may become possible in the future.
NCERT Solutions for Class 10 English Chapter 5 – FAQs
Q1. What is the central theme of “Footprints Without Feet”?
Answer: The chapter highlights the dangers of misusing scientific power without moral responsibility.
Q2. Why is Griffin considered a tragic character?
Answer: Despite being a brilliant scientist, Griffin’s lack of ethics and lawless behaviour lead to his downfall.
Q3. How is this chapter important for board exams?
Answer: This chapter is important for questions on character analysis, science fiction themes, and moral values, which are frequently asked in board examinations.