English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Griffin's behaviour throughout the story reveals him to be both a brilliant but deeply lawless and irresponsible person.

Misuse of science: Griffin discovered how to make the human body transparent — a remarkable scientific achievement. However, instead of using it for the benefit of humanity, he used his invisibility for selfish and criminal purposes.

Acts of lawlessness:

• He set fire to his landlord's house in revenge, showing cruelty.
• He stole food, clothing, and money from the London store without payment.
• He robbed and callously attacked the shopkeeper at Drury Lane after stealing money.
• He burgled the clergyman's home and stole the housekeeping money.
• He produced sudden "ready cash" after claiming to be penniless, raising suspicion.
• He terrorised Mrs Hall's household by using his invisibility to animate furniture.

Conclusion: Griffin's genius is beyond doubt, but his misuse of his discovery for revenge, theft, and violence makes him a danger to society rather than a contributor to it.

Source: Chapter 5 — Footprints without Feet, H.G. Wells

---

The examiner expects you to address both aspects implied by the question: Griffin as a scientist (brilliant, pioneering) and as a person (lawless, irresponsible). Cite specific incidents from the text — setting fire to the house, theft from the store, robbing the shopkeeper, burgling the clergyman — rather than making vague claims. The concluding line balancing his genius against his criminality earns full marks. Aim for 6 concrete, text-based points for a 6-mark answer.