H. G. Wells · 1897
The Invisible Man (1897) is a science fiction novel by H. G. Wells. A mysterious stranger wrapped in bandages arrives at a village inn: he is Griffin, a scientist who has made himself invisible and is driven by his discovery to theft, madness and terror.
The story
Griffin takes a room at the Coach and Horses in Iping, in Sussex, hiding his face. When the villagers discover that he is invisible, he flees, forcing a tramp, Marvel, to help him.
He seeks refuge with a former fellow student, Dr Kemp, and reveals his plan for a reign of terror. Kemp betrays him, and Griffin is cornered and killed by a crowd, becoming visible as he dies.
Science and morality
Griffin explains that he made his body's refractive index equal to that of air. Wells uses the scientific premise to explore power without responsibility.
Invisibility, far from a blessing, makes Griffin cold, hungry and hunted, and isolates him from humanity.
Afterlife
The novel was serialised in Pearson's Weekly in 1897. James Whale's 1933 film, with Claude Rains, made the bandaged figure an icon.
The story has inspired countless adaptations, including a 2020 film by Leigh Whannell.
Anecdotes
An old legend
Wells may have been inspired by Plato's tale of the ring of Gyges, which made its wearer invisible and raised the question of whether anyone would remain just with such power.
A star without a face
Claude Rains, in the 1933 film, is seen in his own face only in the last seconds of the film; for most of it he is heard rather than seen.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the Invisible Man?
Griffin, a scientist who has made himself invisible.
Where does the story begin?
At the Coach and Horses inn in the village of Iping, in Sussex.
Who starred in the 1933 film?
Claude Rains.