English Language & Literature — CBSE Class 10 board question

Griffin begins as a brilliant but lawless scientist — he burns his landlord's house and wanders London homeless and invisible. His invisibility, though remarkable, proves more curse than gift: he suffers bitterly in the cold, is forced to steal food and money, and must disguise himself with bandages and a false nose. He resorts to robbery and violence, attacking a shopkeeper callously. At Iping, suspicion closes in, and when exposed, his furious, uncontrolled temper leads to his complete unmasking. His genius is overshadowed by moral recklessness, making him a fugitive whose extraordinary power only deepens his isolation and criminality.

Source: Chapter 5 — Footprints without Feet

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The examiner expects you to trace Griffin's character arc — from a gifted scientist to a desperate, violent outlaw. Key points to cover:

• His lawlessness (burning the house, theft, assault)
• Invisibility as a burden (cold, hunger, constant hiding)
• Escalating crime showing moral decline
• Loss of control — temper and eventual unmasking

Avoid retelling the plot alone; always link events to character traits. Words like "reckless," "lawless," "isolated," and "fugitive" earn credit.