English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Griffin's scientific brilliance is undeniable — he successfully made the human body transparent through persistent experimentation. However, his darker traits consistently overshadow this achievement.

Lawlessness: The text explicitly states, "Brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin was rather a lawless person." When his landlord tried to evict him, Griffin set fire to the house — a dangerous, criminal act of revenge.

Theft: In London, he broke into a store and helped himself to food, clothes, and wine without payment. He then robbed the theatrical shopkeeper of all his money after callously attacking him from behind.

Burglary: In Iping, he stole the clergyman's housekeeping money and then used the stolen cash to pay his bills.

Violence: At the inn, he terrorised Mrs Hall with moving furniture, and finally knocked Constable Jaffers unconscious to escape arrest.

Thus, Griffin used his remarkable discovery not for the benefit of humanity but purely for personal gain, revenge, and violence.

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

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• Examiners look for textual evidence supporting the contrast between Griffin's scientific ability and his criminal nature — don't just say he was "bad," quote or closely paraphrase the text.
• The key phrase the chapter itself provides — "lawless person" — should appear in your answer; it shows you've read carefully.
• Organise around specific incidents: arson, theft in London, robbing the shopkeeper, burglary at the clergyman's, violence against Jaffers. This earns full marks for coverage.
• Keep each point brief — one or two sentences each — so you hit all incidents without exceeding the word limit.