Reading books, watching movies and TV shows, you often get the impression that scientists are usually portrayed as kind and positive characters. They are often depicted as treasure troves of knowledge, eager to share their discoveries with the world to make it better, kinder, and more advanced. But while reading "The Invisible Man", I realized there’s another side to the story.
The great H.G. Wells introduces us to Griffin, the main character — selfish, arrogant, and calculating, driven solely by self-interest. Yes, he hides behind noble intentions deep down, but as the saying goes, we all know what the road to hell is paved with. His behavior is often shocking, and his actions are downright disturbing.
Wells explores the tragic potential of scientific discovery through a man who gains the power of invisibility. The moment Griffin acquires this power, every hidden temptation and dark impulse rises to the surface and consumes him. He spirals downward, losing everything that gives life meaning — a grim and cautionary fate.
Wells makes it clear: having a "superpower" — one that many children probably dream of — is no guarantee of a better life. In fact, it often brings more problems than it solves. Invisibility doesn’t make someone invincible, or fast, or clever. In fact, it comes with a host of new dangers that a visible person would never face. The novel does a brilliant job of illustrating these unexpected problems in vivid detail.
"The Invisible Man" is one of the cornerstone works of science fiction — as are many of Wells’s books. It sets a high bar, serving as both a springboard and a source of inspiration for those who came after him. The idea was groundbreaking at the time of publication and still influences the genre today. Even now, film adaptations of the book continue to appear, proving that the story still captivates audiences.
Ultimately, this is a tragedy about a man who longed for more than he could handle — and in the end, lost himself entirely.
8 out of 10