CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet - Footprints Without Feet Summary

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CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet – Footprints Without Feet Summary

Chapter 5 of the Class 10 English Supplementary Reader ‘Footprints Without Feet’ consists of a prose titled – Footprints Without Feet. This story is written by Herbert George Wells. This fascinating story is about a scientist named Griffin who discovers a special formula to become invisible. He creates a drug that makes his body disappear, though people can still feel him if they touch him. Unfortunately, Griffin uses his new power for bad purposes, such as stealing money, clothes, and food.
Here’s a simple summary of the prose– Footprints Without Feet.

Summary of A Footprints Without Feet

This story is about a smart scientist named Griffin who made a drug that can make a person invisible. He created a formula that works perfectly, allowing anyone who takes it to become completely see-through and invisible to others.

Griffin tested the experiment on himself by swallowing the drug, causing his body to become as transparent as glass. Accidentally stepping in mud, he left fresh, muddy footprints everywhere. Two young boys noticed the prints and followed them until they gradually faded away. Despite being a brilliant scientist, Griffin was a lawless man. His landlord, who disliked him, demanded that he leave the house. In revenge, Griffin set the house on fire and ended up wandering the streets without food, money, or clothes.

Because he was invisible, nobody could see him as he walked through the streets feeling cold. Seeking warmth, he entered a large shopping center in London. After the stores closed, he found some comfortable clothes to ward off the chill and treated himself to cold meat and espresso from a nearby restaurant. Later, he slept on a stack of quilts in the store. The next morning, when some employees began to approach him, he quickly removed his clothes and vanished once more.

As Griffin roamed the chilly weather without any clothing, he keenly felt the biting cold and resolved to acquire some garments from a theater company. Quickly, he located a suitable shop and adorned himself with bandages around his forehead, a fake nose, dark glasses, large bushy side-whiskers, and an oversized hat. With this disguise, he entered a shopkeeper’s establishment and pilfered all the money. Recognizing the challenges of remaining in a bustling city like London, he contemplated relocating to the village of Iping.

He reserved two rooms at the village’s local inn and arrived there by taking a train from London. The villagers found it peculiar to anticipate the arrival of an outsider with an unusual appearance who had come to stay at the hotel during winter. Mrs. Hall, the landlord’s wife, made an effort to be friendly with him, but Griffin avoided conversation. As his funds reduced, he resorted to robbery to support himself. Concerned about his suspicious behavior, the innkeeper and his wife tried to inspect his room while he was absent.

In a fit of anger, Griffin destroyed the furniture in the inn, throwing it across the room towards the innkeeper and his wife. Fearing supernatural activity, they became frightened and attributed the chaos to their strange guest. Meanwhile, Mrs. Hall looked around for the assistance of the town constable, Mr. Jaffers, to investigate the identity of this individual and arrest him for damaging her property. This further provoked Griffin, prompting him to reveal his true identity by removing his bandages, whiskers, spectacles, and nose. Everyone was stunned to discover that there was no ordinary human beneath the disguises. As the constable attempted to apprehend him, Griffin swiftly threw away his garments, vanished into thin air, and became invisible once more.

Conclusion of A Footprints Without Feet

The story of Griffin, the invisible man, concludes on a dramatic note. Despite his brilliance as a scientist, Griffin’s misuse of his invisibility formula leads him down a dark path. His initial thrill and sense of power give way to increasingly desperate and violent actions. His final act of vanishing into thin air, escaping the constable’s grasp, leaves a haunting impression on the villagers. Griffin’s tale serves as a cautionary reminder of how unchecked ambition and the abuse of extraordinary power can lead to one’s downfall and isolation. His invisible footprints, both literal and metaphorical, leave a lasting mark on those who encountered his tragic journey.

We trust that this summary of the CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Prose, “A Footprints Without Feet,” has provided you with a quick grasp of the chapter. Stay connected with GK Publications for the latest updates on CBSE and study materials. Explore sample papers and question papers from various years to enhance your preparation for the Board exams.