NCERT Solutions for Class 10

English - Footprints Without Feet

Chapter -5 Footprints Without Feet

Read and Find Out

1. How did the invisible man first become visible?

Ans: The first trace of Griffin’s presence was detected by two boys who saw his
fresh muddy imprint in the middle of London, out of nowhere. They pursued
him until the muddy impressions grew fainter and fainter until they vanished
completely.

2. Why was he wandering the streets?

Ans: Griffin was an amazing scientist but he was also a lawless person. He set
the home of his property owner on fire and got away without being seen by just
removing his clothes. Consequently, he became a homeless wanderer.

Read to find out

1. Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?

Ans: Mrs Hall thought the scientist was strange as he came to the inn in the
winter and wore an unusual outfit. He was cold towards Mrs. Hall's polite
responses and told her he had no desire to interact and wanted to be left in
solitude.

2. What curious episode occurs in the study?

Ans: Griffin robbed the home of a clergyman. He robbed it when they both
were asleep and woke up from the noises coming from the study. When they
went downstairs, they heard the chink of money being taken but could not find a
trace of anybody, even when they looked under the desk, in the chimney and
behind the curtains. The money was missing but no trace of the person could be
found.

3. What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?

Ans: The scientist was a cold person since the first interaction with Mrs Hall.
They never disturbed or interrupted him. But one day his door was open, and
they felt it was a good opportunity to peep into. The clothes on the bed were
cold and the scientist was up for some time. Mrs Hall's attention was drawn to

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the hat that had slammed into her face after she felt a sniff near to her ear.
Followed by that the chair became alive and sprang into the air towards her. She
and her husband dashed out of the room and slammed the door behind them.
They were terrified, and they fled for their lives.

Think about it

1. “Griffin was rather a lawless person.” Comment.

Ans: Griffin was a lawless person. He burned down the home of his property
owner after being invisible. He did that because his proprietor disliked him and
tried to eject him. He easily got away with that by removing his clothes and
wandering as a homeless wanderer. He stole from the home of the clergyman
and in a shop. He also attacked Mrs Hall and the proprietor when they entered
his room. He tried to use his invention for his own selfish motives instead of
helping people

2. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?

Ans: Griffin was an Intelligent Scientist. He discovered how to make a human
body invisible by swallowing certain rare drugs that made his body transparent
as glass. But instead of using it for the betterment of the civilization, he used it
for his own benefit and gains. He did hurt others, stole, and even burnt the home
of his proprietor. He was an unethical scientist.

Talk About It

1. Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages

do you foresee if you did?
Ans: I would like to be invisible for some time, if possible. I could do whatever
I wish to do without being judged or having to worry about my safety. It would
be fun and exciting to walk around carelessly. The disadvantage on the other
side would be that it will make me feel very lonely and I won't have anyone’s
company.

2. 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?
Ans: There are various forces that exist around us like magnetic fields,
electromagnetic waves etc. These invisible forces help us in performing the

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basic functions of our daily needs. I believe it would be very absurd if these
forces are visible to us. I believe it is better that they are invisible.

3. 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!)
Ans: Water contains free electrons that allow light to pass through it. Since no
light is reflected, we see no colour and it is transparent. I do not think it is
possible for the human body to be transparent since it is composed of various
complex cells and to make that vast variety of cells invisible isn't quite possible.

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