Footprints Without Feet Long Answer Type Question

This page offers Footprints Without Feet long answer type question for Class 10 from the book Footprints Without Feet. We’ve put together a bunch of long answer type question based on assumption, creativity, extrapolation and critical thinking. These types of questions are introduced after 2024 in CBSE Board. So, practice to understand Footprints Without Feet long answer type question

Question 1: Describe Griffin’s feelings and thoughts when he first discovered he could become invisible. How might he have felt about the uses and dangers of his discovery?

Answer: When Griffin first discovered he could become invisible, he likely felt a mix of excitement and fear. As a brilliant scientist, he was probably thrilled by the success of his experiments. The idea of invisibility must have seemed amazing. He might have thought about the many ways he could use his discovery, like escaping from danger or spying without being seen.

However, Griffin also likely felt the dangers of his invisibility. Being invisible meant he had to stay hidden and be careful all the time. He could not live a normal life, as people would either fear him or try to capture him. The cold winter without clothes was one immediate danger he faced. The excitement of being invisible came with many risks and challenges that he had to face alone.

Question 2: Imagine you are one of the boys who saw the muddy footprints. Write a diary entry describing your feelings and what you thought about the strange footprints.

Answer:

Dear Diary,

Today was the strangest day ever! My friend and I saw something unbelievable. We were walking down the street when we noticed fresh, muddy footprints appearing on the steps of a house. The strange part was, there was no one there! It looked like an invisible person was walking.

We decided to follow the footprints. They went down the steps and along the street. We were so curious and excited, but also a little scared. How could someone be invisible? As we followed, the footprints started to fade until they disappeared completely.

I can’t stop thinking about it. Who could have made those footprints? How could they be invisible? It feels like something from a storybook. Today was a real adventure, and I’ll never forget it.

Yours

Raj

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Question: 3 What do you understand about the attitude of the villagers from the way they reacted to the strange events happening in the inn? What does this tell you about their beliefs and fears?

Answer: The villagers were very scared and confused by the strange events at the inn. They saw things moving by themselves, like a hat flying and a chair attacking Mrs. Hall. They thought the inn was haunted or affected by witchcraft. This shows that they believed in supernatural things.

The villagers quickly feared what they did not understand. They chose to believe in magic or witchcraft instead of looking for logical reasons. This reaction shows that people can be scared of unknown things. They often use old beliefs to explain mysterious events.

The villagers’ fear and belief in witchcraft show that people are afraid of the unknown. They feel better when they can explain strange things, even if the explanation is not logical.

Question 4: If you were in Griffin’s position, what would you have done differently after becoming invisible? Explain your actions and reasoning.

Answer: If I were in Griffin’s position after becoming invisible, I would have taken different decisions. First, I would not have used my invisibility to harm others or break the law. Instead, I would have looked for a safe place to stay and thought about how to use my new ability for good.

Also, I would use my invisibility to help people. For example, I could gather information about crimes or help people in danger without being seen. This way, I could use my power for good purposes.

By staying calm, seeking help, and using my ability for positive actions, I could have avoided many of the problems Griffin faced.

Question: 5 What are the ethical issues with Griffin’s experiments? Did he have the right to make himself invisible? Why or why not?

Answer: Griffin’s experiments bring up important moral questions. Making himself invisible had bad effects on others and on himself. He used his discovery to hurt people and break the law. This shows he did not think about the right and wrong of his actions.

Scientists should think about how their experiments affect society. Griffin did not use his discovery for good reasons.

I do not think Griffin had the right to make himself invisible without thinking about the consequences. He should have thought about how his discovery would affect others. If he had used his power responsibly and for the good of society, it might have been different. But because he used it selfishly and harmfully, his actions were wrong.

Question 6: How do you think the story would change if Griffin had found a friend he could trust? Describe the potential impact on his life and actions.

Answer: If Griffin had found a friend he could trust, the story would be very different. A trusted friend could support him and give good advice. This friend could help Griffin think about the results of his actions and find better ways to use his invisibility.

With a friend, Griffin would not feel so lonely and desperate. He might share his discovery and work together to solve problems. The friend could help him find a safe place to stay and avoid trouble. They might work on ways to reverse the invisibility or use it for good purposes.

A friend could stop Griffin from making bad choices, like stealing or hurting others. A trusted friend would make Griffin’s life better and change the story for the good.

Question 7: Imagine you are Mrs. Hall. Write a letter to a friend describing the strange occurrences in your inn and your thoughts about Griffin.

Answer: Dear Helen

I hope you are doing well. I have to tell you about some strange things happening at my inn. We have a guest named Griffin who is very odd. He always keeps his face covered with bandages and wears dark glasses, even indoors. He says he had an accident, but I am not so sure.

The other day, I heard a sniff right next to my ear, but no one was there. Then, a hat flew off the bedpost and hit me in the face! Right after that, the bedroom chair seemed to come alive and charged at me.

I wonder if Griffin has something to do with all this. He is always secretive and gets angry quickly. I am starting to think there is something supernatural going on. Please write back soon and let me know what you think.

Take care

Mrs. Hall

Question 8: If Griffin had used his invisibility for good purposes, what kind of positive actions could he have taken? Give examples of how he could have helped others.

Answer: If Griffin had used his invisibility for good, he could have helped others a lot. For example, he could have helped to catch criminals. He could gather evidence and help the police solve crimes.

Griffin could also protect people in danger. He could rescue people from dangerous situations without being seen, making it easier to save lives without putting himself at risk.

Another way Griffin could help is by gathering important information. He could use his invisibility to uncover secrets that could benefit society, like exposing corrupt officials or uncovering hidden threats.

In schools and hospitals, Griffin could use his power to help in secret ways. He could help teachers by catching cheating students or assist doctors by observing patients without making them uncomfortable.

Question 9: Think about how the villagers reacted to the idea of witchcraft. How does this show human nature and the habit of explaining unknown things with fear?

Answer: The villagers’ reaction to the idea of witchcraft shows how people often react to unknown situations with fear. When they saw strange things happening, like objects moving on their own, they quickly thought it was witchcraft. This reaction reflects a common human tendency to fear what we don’t understand.

People often use supernatural explanations for things they cannot explain logically. This is because it is easier to believe in something magical or mysterious than to find a logical reason. The idea of witchcraft gave the villagers a way to explain the strange events, even though it was based on fear and superstition.

This behaviour shows that humans have a natural tendency to fear the unknown. Instead of investigating and understanding.

Question 10: What do you think Griffin’s life was like before he became invisible? Describe his background, reasons, and the events that made him start his experiments.

Answer: Before Griffin became invisible, he was likely a dedicated and ambitious scientist. He was very smart and curious, always wanting to discover new things. Griffin wanted to achieve something great in science, which motivated him to explore invisibility.

He probably had a strong education and spent many years researching in a lab. Griffin faced many challenges and failures that made him work even harder. He wanted recognition and to prove his theories.

Griffin was fascinated by the idea of making the human body invisible. He tried many experiments and different methods. Finally, he discovered a way by using rare drugs.

Question 11: How would the villagers have reacted if Griffin had told them who he really was and explained his experiments? Discuss how their behaviour towards him might have changed.

Answer: If Griffin had told the villagers who he really was and explained his experiments, their reactions might have been different. Initially, they might have been shocked and scared, but with time, they could have become more understanding. Knowing the truth, some villagers might have felt sympathy for Griffin and his struggles.

They might have seen him as a brilliant scientist rather than a strange and dangerous person. This understanding could have led to more acceptance and less fear. Some villagers might have even offered to help him find a solution to his invisibility problem.

Their behaviour towards him could have changed from suspicion and fear to curiosity and support.

Question 12: How would the story be different if the police caught Griffin early? Discuss how this would affect the story, Griffin’s fate, and what other characters might learn.

Answer: If the police had captured Griffin early on, the story would have changed a lot. Griffin’s capture would have stopped his harmful actions sooner. The villagers would have felt safer and less scared.

Griffin’s fate would be very different. Instead of running and hiding, he might have been forced to explain his experiments. This could have led to a trial where his scientific achievements and moral failings were examined. He might have faced punishment but also received help to reverse his invisibility.

The other characters would have learned important lessons. The villagers would understand the dangers of jumping to conclusions and the importance of seeking the truth. They might become more open-minded and cautious about believing in superstitions.

Question 13: Discuss the importance of using scientific knowledge responsibly. How could Griffin’s story serve as a lesson for scientists and inventors about the ethical use of their discoveries?

Answer : Using scientific knowledge responsibly is important for the well-being of society. Griffin’s story teaches an important lesson about the ethical use of discoveries. Griffin’s misuse of knowledge caused fear, chaos, and harm to others. Scientists and inventors have a responsibility to consider the results of their work. They should aim to benefit society and avoid causing harm.

If Griffin had used his discovery to help others, he could have done many good things. He could have helped the police or improved medical research. His story shows why it’s important to have rules and a sense of duty in science. It reminds us that great power brings great responsibility. The real worth of a discovery is in how it helps the world.

Question 14: Griffin chose to use his invisibility for personal gain and revenge. Think about the right and wrong of his choices. What could he have done instead to use his powers to help others?

Answer : Griffin’s choices to use his invisibility for personal gain and revenge have serious moral implications. His actions, such as stealing and harming others, show a lack of morality and empathy. Instead of using his abilities selfishly, Griffin could have chosen to help society. He could have assisted the police in solving crimes, protected unsafe people, or advanced scientific knowledge for the greater good. By doing so, he would have gained respect and recognition while making a positive impact. Griffin’s story teaches us that power and abilities should be used responsibly and ethically. Making choices that benefit others and contribute to society is far more rewarding and honourable.

Question 15: How does fear of the unknown impact people’s reactions to new and unexplained situations? Use examples from the villagers’ reactions to Griffin’s actions to explain your thoughts.

Answer: Fear of the unknown greatly influences people’s reactions to new and unexplained situations. In Griffin’s story, the villagers reacted with fear and suspicion when they saw strange things happening at the inn. They believed these events were caused by witchcraft because they couldn’t understand what was happening. For example, they were terrified when they saw a hat fly and a chair move on its own, thinking it was due to supernatural forces.

This reaction shows that people often make silly guesses when they see something strange. Instead of looking for real reasons, they believe old stories and superstitions.

Question 16: Why is it important to think about how our actions affect others? How can we apply this in everyday life? Ref. Footprints without Feet.

Answer: It is important to think about how our actions affect others because our decisions can have a big impact on people around us. Griffin’s experiments caused fear and trouble for many because he didn’t consider their effects. By thinking about others, we can avoid causing harm and make positive contributions to society.

In everyday life, we can apply this by being mindful of our actions. For example, we can be considerate and kind to others, follow rules, and think about the environment. Small actions, like helping a neighbour or recycling, can make a big difference.

Being aware of the impact of our actions helps create a better community. It encourages us to act responsibly and ethically, benefiting everyone.

Question 17: If you discovered something powerful like invisibility, what rules would you follow to use it for good? How would you prevent it from being misused?

Answer: If I discovered something powerful like invisibility, I would follow strict rules to ensure it is used for good. First, I would conduct thorough research to understand the potential impacts and risks. I would share my findings with other scientists to get their feedback and ensure transparency.

I would establish clear ethical guidelines for using the discovery. These guidelines would include only using invisibility for positive purposes, such as helping law enforcement or protecting people in danger. I would avoid using it for personal gain or harm.

To prevent misuse, I would create safeguards. This might include developing technology to monitor and control the use of invisibility.

Question 18: How would Griffin’s story be different if it happened today with modern technology and social media? How might the public’s reaction and Griffin’s actions change?

Answer: If Griffin’s story happened today with modern technology and social media, it would be very different. News about an invisible man would spread quickly online, causing a huge public reaction. People would share videos and photos, making Griffin’s actions widely known. Social media would amplify fear and curiosity, leading to many discussions and theories.

Griffin’s actions might change because he would have to be more careful. Modern technology like security cameras and tracking devices would make it harder for him to stay hidden. He might use technology to his advantage, hacking systems to avoid detection.

The public’s reaction would also be more sincere and fact based. Some people might be scared, while others could be fascinated. There would be debates about the ethics of his invisibility and how to handle it.

Question 19: Consider the theme of isolation in Griffin’s story. How does his invisibility isolate him from society? Discuss the psychological effects of this isolation and how it influences his behaviour.

Answer: Griffin’s invisibility makes him very lonely. Since no one can see him, he cannot interact with people normally. He cannot have regular conversations or make friends. This makes him feel cut off from everyone else.

Being invisible has serious effects on Griffin’s mind. He feels very lonely and frustrated. He cannot share his thoughts or ask for help. This makes him feel more desperate and angry over time.

Because he is so lonely, Griffin starts to behave badly. He becomes selfish and does not care about hurting others to get what he wants. He stops thinking about what is right and wrong. His actions become more dangerous because he feels like he has nothing to lose.

Question 20: What can we learn from Griffin’s story about the responsibility that comes with power and knowledge? How can these lessons be applied in real-life, especially for people in positions of influence?

Answer: Griffin’s story teaches us that with great power and knowledge comes great responsibility. Griffin discovered how to become invisible, a powerful ability, but he used it selfishly and harmfully. His actions caused fear and chaos, showing that power should be used wisely and ethically.

In real life, people in positions of influence, like leaders, scientists, and business owners, should remember this lesson. They should think about how their actions affect others and make decisions that benefit society. For example, a scientist should use their discoveries to help people, not harm them. A leader should make choices that improve the lives of their community, not just themselves.

Note- Following are the old stylish questions. These were asked before 2023-24. Actually these questions focus more on memory rather than creative thinking, imagination and extrapolation.

1. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist and a human being? What qualities or values would you suggest will make him a better person?

Ans. Griffin was an eccentric scientist who had discovered a rare drug which could make him invisible. Griffin became invisible not for. The welfare of the society but to satisfy his own ego and carry out satanic deeds. He was a brilliant scientist but not a law abiding person. He was a criminal scientist who had no respect for humanity. He stole money from the clergyman’s house, set the landlord’s house on fire and even killed his father for his own benefit. He was not also a good human being. He was rude to everyone. When everyone asked about his secret, he hit them and escaped becoming invisible. I would like to suggest him to imbibe empathy, kindness, helpfulness, honesty, generosity, social responsibility, etc. These values will make him a better person. He should have used his discovery for the benefit of society and his country.

2. Mrs Hall found the scientist rather eccentric. How can he be helped to lead a normal life? Highlight the values that can help him become a better person.

Ans. Griffin was an eccentric scientist who had come to Ping in a desire for solitude. He did not wish to be disturbed and moreover, he had come to the town at that time of winter when no one comes. Mrs Hall found him eccentric also because of his looks. He was overdressed with all parts of his body covered. He was wearing dark glasses, big bushy side whiskers and a large hat all the time, even at night. He could be helped to lead a normal life by guiding him patiently. He should be counselled to work for the welfare of society. The values of empathy, social responsibility, kindness, helpfulness, honesty to his profession, generosity can help Griffin to become a better person.

3. Griffin was his own enemy. What typical traits of his character led to his downfall? Mention some of the values he should have possessed.

Ans. Griffin was truly his own enemy. He was short-tempered, violent and lawless. Being a person prone to anger, and a scientist, proved to be a dangerous combination. He would attack without provocation, as he did the Drury Lane shopkeeper. Despite being invisible, he was careless enough to be ‘discovered’ stealing at the clergyman’s house. Thus, all these character flaws, i.e., inexplicable anger, aggression, hostility, restlessness, vexation and uncontrolled behaviour led to his downfall.

4. Griffin’s unlawful activities devalue his scientific discovery. What are some of the qualities that he should develop?

Ans. Griffin was a scientist who had actually made a major discovery, that of invisibility. However, his illegal activities greatly undermined his discovery. People were afraid of him and did not recognize his achievement due to his anger and violent nature. Griffin ought to have been more tolerant and patient. Instead of terrorizing people with his discovery, he should have exercised discretion, and gradually revealed himself to the world. Patience would have been an asset for him, as would have common sense!

5. How did Griffin steal money from the clergyman’s house? How did he escape arrest?

Narrate the adventure of Griffin in the village Iping.

Ans. Griffin came to live at village Aping. One day, he ran short of money. He had to pay the rent to the innkeeper. He made himself invisible. He entered the clergyman’s house. He took money from the desk. When he was taking away the money, the clergyman and his wife heard the sound. They came downstairs to look into the matter. They opened the door and looked into the room. But nobody was there. Griffin came back to his room and paid the dues to the landlady. But the neighbours suspected Griffin. Mrs Hall called a policeman. He tried to arrest Griffin. But Griffin made himself invisible and escaped arrest.

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6. What was the curious episode that took place in the clergyman’s study?

Ans. One day, early in the morning some sounds came from the study. The clergyman and his wife were awakened. They came downstairs. They heard the chink of money from the study. It was clear that someone was taking away money from the clergyman’s desk. The clergyman took a poker in his hand. He carefully opened the door. He expected to find a thief in the room. So he shouted and asked the man to give in. But he found the room empty. They were surprised. He and his wife looked under the desk. They looked behind the curtains. They even checked the chimney. But they did not find anybody. However, the desk had been opened. They found that money was missing from the desk. This was really a curious episode.

7. Why did Griffin enter the big London store? What did he do there? How he was finally obliged to leave it?

Describe Griffin’s adventures in a London store?

Ans. Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house. Then he took a drug and became invisible. But he had to remove his clothes. It was the middle of winter. The air was very cold. He reached a London store. Before the closing time, he entered the store. After some time, the store was closed. Now he was free. He broke open boxes and wrappers. He took out some clothes and wore them. He was feeling hungry. So he went into the kitchen. He ate cold meat and drank coffee. Then he lay on a pile of quilts. The next morning, he did not get up in time. The shop assistants reached. They found Griffin sleeping on quilts. He woke up and tried to run away. The servants ran after him. Griffin again took off his clothes one by one. He became invisible once again. Thus, he was able to save himself.

8. Why was the arrival of the stranger in a village in an unusual event? Give two reasons.

Ans. Griffin was a scientist. He reached the village inn in winter. He was a stranger in that village. It was not a proper time to visit the village. People did not come here in winter. So the event was unusual. Secondly, Griffin looked very strange. He was wearing dark glasses, a false nose and a big hat. His forehead was covered with bandages. He did not talk to anyone in the village. He said that he wanted to live alone. He asked Mrs Hall not to disturb him. The people of the village were attracted towards his strange appearance and habits. Thus, his coming to the village was an unusual event.

9. Describe the policeman’s fight with the invisible man. [H.B.S.E. March 2017 (Set-C]

Describe the scene when Mr Jaffers tries to arrest “a man without a head”?

Ans. One day. Griffin stole money from the clergyman’s house. The people of the village suspected Griffin. They thought that he had stolen the money. Mrs Hall called a policeman. When the policeman reached there, he was surprised. Griffin had removed his spectacles, false nose and side whiskers. Now, he looked headless. The policeman was surprised as he had to arrest a headless man. He tried to catch Griffin. But Griffin started taking off his clothes one by one. He was becoming more and more invisible. In the end, he became totally invisible. The constable tried to fight with him. Some villagers also tried to help the policeman. But they received blows from nowhere. Then Griffin hit the policeman. He fell unconscious. Then Griffin became free and walked out.

10. How did Griffin steal money from the clergyman’s house? How did he escape arrest?

Narrate the adventure of Griffin in the village Iping.

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Q11. Give a character-sketch of Griffin. Why did his discovery of invisibility make the brilliant scientist a lawless person who brought sufferings to himself and the people around him?

Was Griffin a true scientist in spite of his great discovery? Didn’t he misuse his discovery for his petty gains and thefts rather than for the welfare of humanity?

Griffin’s great discovery did not make him a popular and respectable person. Explain with instances from the text. Was he a disaster for himself and for society?

Ans.No doubt, Griffin was a brilliant and competent scientist. He discovered that the human body could become invisible and transparent as a sheet of glass. It was the result of his long and constant experimentation. However, he misused his discovery only for his personal gains, committing theft and burglaries and beating and robbing innocent persons. He could have earned fame and respect had he utilised his great discovery for the welfare of humanity. But activities made him a lawless person and an anarchist.

Griffin proved how the misuse of science and its great discoveries can be misused. An eccentric scientist can degenerate himself into a lawless anarchist. He can become devilish and a disaster for himself and society. Lawlessness and anarchist behaviour make him a homeless wanderer, without clothes and money. He has to remain without clothes even in the chilly weather of mid-winter to remain invisible. He has to make illegal entries and burglaries in a clergyman’s house, a big store in London and a shop in Drury Lane. This brings him to disrepute and dishonour instead of fame and respect.

Q12. Why were the two boys surprised and fascinated when they saw fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet? What was the explanation of this mystery and who was causing it and why?

Why did Griffin have to remain without clothes and naked even in the chilly weather of mid-winter?

Ans. The two boys were highly surprised and fascinated. They saw fresh muddy imprints of a pair of feet. They wondered how those footmarks came there. They were surprised not to see the man who caused those footprints. They only followed them till they grew fainter and finally disappeared.

The explanation of the mystery was simple. Those were the footmarks of a brilliant but eccentric scientist Griffin. Griffin had carried out an experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become transparent and invisible like a sheet of glass. He discovered certain rare drugs. He swallowed them and his body became invisible and transparent like glass. But this invisibility was possible only when he didn’t wear any clothes. If dressed up, he could lose his invisibility. He could be seen by others if he was not naked. So his invisibility became a curse for Griffin. He had to be without clothes in the chilly weather of mid-winter. This made him a homeless wanderer without clothes and without money. He had become a lawless man committing thefts and burglaries to clothe and feed himself.

Q13. How did Griffin become a homeless wanderer, without clothes and without money? What did he do in revenge and what was the result?

Why did Griffin set fire to his landlord’s house? What difficulties did he face after that?

Ans.No doubt, Griffin was a brilliant scientist. He had a great discovery to his credit. He discovered how to make human body transparent and invisible. It was the result of his long researches and experimentations. However, success went to his head. He misused the power of being invisible to settle personal scores with the people. The revenge he took with his landlord speaks of his degenerated mentality. He became a lawless person and an anarchist.

Griffin’s landlord didn’t like him. He wanted to eject him. Griffin was furious and decided to take revenge. In revenge, he set the house of the landlord on fire. After setting the house on fire, he had to escape without being arrested. To get away without being seen, he had to remove his clothes. So, he took off his clothes, became invisible and ran away. But Griffin had to bear the consequences of his misdirected revenge. He became a homeless wanderer, without clothes and without money in the chilly weather of mid-winter. He had to make an illegal entry and resort to a burglary in a store in London to warm himself with clothes and to feed himself. His regeneration was complete.

Q14. Why did Griffin have to resort to a burglary at the house of a clergyman in the village of Iping?

Ans. Griffin had booked two rooms at the local inn in the village of Iping. The landlady Mrs Hall tolerated the strange habits and irritable temper of her strange guest because he had paid her in advance. But the stolen money didn’t last long. Griffin had no more ready cash. He pretended to Mrs Hall that he was expecting a cheque to arrive at any moment. Griffin had to find ready cash. So, the result was the burglary at a clergyman’s house.

Very early in the morning, the clergyman and his wife were awakened by the noises in the study. When they came downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken from the clergyman’s desk. Without making any noise, the clergyman flung open the door shouting, “Surrender!” But he was amazed to find the room empty. He and his wife looked under the desk and behind the curtains. They even looked up the chimney. There was no sign of anybody. Yet, the desk had been opened and the money was missing. The clergyman could only utter, “Extraordinary affair!” The invisible man had already decamped with the cash.

Q15. Why did Griffin leave London and came to live in the village of Iping? How was he received there?

Ans. Griffin was eager to get away from crowded London. There he could be an easy target of so many searching eyes. Therefore, he took a train to the village lonte’ So, the landlady Mrs Hall was more than happy to receive him. She tried to be friendly with him. However, Griffin snubbed her. He told clearly that his reason for coming to Iping was “a desire for solitude”. He didn’t want to be disturbed. He also told that an accident had affected his face.

Mrs Hall was convinced that her strange guest was an eccentric scientist. She excused his strange habits and irritable behaviour because he had paid her in advance. The opinion of the people towards Griffin changed after the burglary in the clergyman’s house and the strange behaviour of Mrs Hall’s furniture. Mrs Hall thought that the room was haunted by spirits and her guest Griffin had caused those spirits to enter into her furniture. The neighbours thought that the trouble was caused by the witchcraft. The news of the burglary at the clergyman’s house made them suspect that it was caused by the stranger. Griffin had no money earlier but when he produced ready cash suddenly, their suspicion rested on him.

Q16.When and how did the landlady Mrs Hall and her husband see their furniture moving and behaving strangely in the stranger’s room? What was the result?

Ans. The landlord and his wife were up very early. They were surprised to see the scientist’s room widely open. Usually, it was shut and locked. They decided to investigate. They peeped round the door but found nobody. In the room, the bedclothes were cold. That proved that Griffin had woken up quite early. They found the clothes and bandages that he always wore lying about the room. All of a sudden, Mrs Hall heard a sniff very close to her ear. A moment later the hat leapt up from the bedpost. It dashed itself into Mrs Hall’s face. Then the bedroom chair started moving. She and her husband turned away in terror. The `extraordinary chair’ pushed both of them out of the room. Then the door was shut and locked after them. Mrs Hall almost fell down the stairs. She was very nervous and confused. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits. The stranger, Griffin had caused those spirits to enter into her furniture. Her mother used to sit in the chair which rose up against her. The feeling among the neighbours was that the trouble was caused by witchcraft.

Q17. Describe Griffin’s encounter with the village constable Jaffers. Why did nobody lay his hands on Griffin?

Ans. The village constable Jaffers had been informed about the wrongdoings of the stranger staying at the inn. And he appeared on the scene. He was completely surprised to find that he had to arrest a man without a head. But Jaffers was a determined person. He couldn’t be easily prevented from doing his duty. There followed a wonderful scene. The policeman tried to get hold of Griffin. As he came near, Griffin started throwing off his clothes one after another. As Griffin threw off his clothes more invisible he became. Finally, a shirt flew into the air and Griffin became absolutely invisible. The constable was trying to catch hold of a person whom he couldn’t see at all. Some people tried to help Jaffers. They were beaten back by the invisible man. In the end, Jaffers made the last attempt to hold on to the unseen scientist, Griffin. Jaffers was knocked down unconscious. The people were nervous and excited. They were crying, “Hold him!” Griffin had shaken himself free. No one knew where to lay hands on Griffin.

Q18. How did invisibility help Griffin in escaping on different occasions in the story? When did invisibility become a curse for Griffin?

Ans. Griffin, once a brilliant scientist, had worked hard to discover that the human body could become transparent and invisible. He didn’t utilise this great discovery for the welfare of the society but only for his petty crimes, thefts and burglaries. He became a lawless man hitting, beating and robbing innocent people. But invisibility helped him in escaping when there was a danger of his being caught and arrested.

The first time when his invisibility helped Griffin was when he lay asleep fully dressed on a pile of quilts. In a big London store, when the employees saw him, he panicked. When he was chased, he threw away all his clothes and saved himself after being invisible. The second time Griffin’s invisibility helped him was when he burgled a clergyman’s house. He decamped with all the money that was in the clergyman’s desk. The invisible Griffin created a scene when he hit Mrs Hall with a hat into her face and pushed both of them out by using a chair. This led Mrs Hall to think that her house was haunted by spirits. In revenge, Griffin had set the house of his landlord in London on fire. He had to throw off all his clothes to become invisible and save himself Finally when the village constable Jaffers came to arrest him, he made him unconscious and hit all those who came to his help. Nobody knew how to face an invisible man.

But invisibility was also a curse for him. He had to be without clothes to become invisible. And to be without clothes in the chilly weather was very challenging and dangerous. Invisibility made him a lawless and homeless wanderer, without clothes and without money.

Q19. Describe Griffin’s adventures or misadventures in the village of Iping. Why did he come there?

Ans. Griffin left crowded London to live peacefully in the village of Iping. He wanted to be away from the searching eyes of the people of crowded London. He had booked two rooms at a local inn. Mrs Hall, the landlady was snubbed when she tried to be friendly with him. He had no ready money now. So in order to get the much needed ready money, he burgled into the house of the clergyman in Iping. The clergyman and his wife heard the chink of money being taken from their desk. They were helpless as the invisible man, Griffin was doing all this. They only found the desk open and all their money missing. Griffin’s adventures didn’t end here. He threatened Mrs Hall and her husband by hitting them with his hat and the bedroom chair. He forced them out of the room. Poor Mrs Hall thought that the house was haunted by spirits. Her strange guest had caused those spirits to enter into her furniture.

When Mrs Hall tried to question him how he entered a locked room, Griffin became furious. He threw away his bandages, whiskers, spectacles and false nose. She and the people in the bar found themselves staring at a headless man!

The most remarkable adventure of Griffin in Iping was his encounter with the village constable Jailers. When Jailers came to arrest him, he threw away all his clothes and became invisible. The constable found himself struggling with someone he could not see at all. The invisible man Griffin hit all those with his mighty blows who came to help Jailers. In the end, Jailers was knocked down unconscious. Griffin had shaken himself free and no one knew where to lay hands on the invisible Griffin.

Q20. Give a character-sketch of Mrs Hall.

Ans. (a) Mrs Hall Welcomes the Guest: The arrival of a strange guest in winter at the local inn in Iping was quite an unusual event. So Mrs Hall, the landlady, was very pleased to receive her strange guest.

(b) Tries to Make him Comfortable: Like a good landlady, Mrs Hall tries to make her strange guest quite comfortable. She even tries to be friendly with him. However, she is snubbed as Griffin doesn’t want to be disturbed by anyone. He wants to live in solitude and peace.

(c) Prepared to Excuse Griffin’s Strange Habits and Irritable Behaviour: Mrs Hall was convinced that her guest was an eccentric scientist. She was prepared to excuse his strange habits and irritable temper. The reason was quite simple. Griffin had paid her in advance. Such a guest in the lean season was a blessing for the landlady.

(d) Believes in Spirits: When Mrs Hall noticed the strange behaviour of her furniture in her guest’s room she was shocked and surprised. She saw the hat flying up and hitting her face. She saw the bedroom chair throwing her and her husband out of the room. She was convinced that the room was haunted by spirits. The stranger had caused those spirits to enter into her furniture.

(e) Dares to Question Griffin: Mrs Hall dared to question even the eccentric scientist, Griffin. She asked what he had been doing to her chair. She also asked how he entered a locked room. She made him furious. Suddenly, he threw off bandages, whiskers, spectacles and the false nose. She and the people in the bar were shocked to find themselves staring at a headless man.