Footprints Without Feet 10 English Chapter 5 CBSE Notes 2025-26

The story "Footprints Without Feet" from CBSE Class 10 English (Chapter 5) is about Griffin, a scientist who discovers the secret of invisibility and faces unforeseen consequences. The events start in London, where two boys notice fresh muddy footprints with no visible maker.

These mysterious marks are made by Griffin, who has made his body invisible through scientific experiments that turn him as transparent as glass. This chapter is adapted from H.G. Wells’ famous novel "The Invisible Man" and discusses both the exciting and troubling aspects of such a discovery.

The Secret of Invisibility Griffin is a brilliant but lawless scientist. After numerous experiments, he discovers drugs that can make the human body completely transparent while it remains solid. 

To prove his theory, Griffin swallows the drugs and manages to turn himself invisible. The transformation lets him move without being noticed, but it also comes with its own set of problems and moral questions.

Becoming a Wanderer Once invisible, Griffin sets fire to his landlord’s house in revenge for trying to evict him. He escapes the burning building by removing his clothes and slips into the streets of London. 

However, being invisible is not convenient—it’s winter, and Griffin is cold, without clothes or money. He accidentally steps in mud and leaves behind footprints, which is how the boys at the start spot his “footprints without feet.”

Challenges of Invisibility Life as an invisible man is tough for Griffin. To keep warm, he breaks into a big London store, waiting until it closes to dress himself in clothes and enjoy food. Despite this respite, he is discovered the next morning. 

He has to abandon his clothes—and thus his visibility—to escape, once again facing the harsh cold. 

He later sneaks into a theatrical costume shop in Drury Lane, London’s theatre district, where he fashions a disguise with bandages, glasses, and a fake nose. In his desperation, he attacks the shopkeeper and steals money to survive, showing a lack of morality in addressing his needs.

Arrival in Iping and Strange Events at the Inn Trying to escape London, Griffin travels to the quiet village of Iping, where his odd appearance arouses curiosity. 

He demands solitude, claiming his face is injured, and becomes known as an eccentric scientist. However, his stolen funds run out, and he pretends a cheque is on its way to maintain his cover. 

Early one morning, a local clergyman and his wife hear noises in their study and discover money missing, but nobody there. Shortly after, Mrs Hall, the innkeeper’s wife, spots more bizarre events: invisible forces seem to control furniture in Griffin’s room, with a chair and hat moving on their own. She grows convinced the place is haunted.

Suspicion and Unmasking With the village gossiping about witchcraft, suspicion falls on Griffin, especially when he is able to pay suddenly after previously having no money. 

The village constable, Mr Jaffers, is summoned. In a dramatic moment, Mrs Hall confronts Griffin about the events in the inn, and he reveals his true nature by stripping away his disguise—bandages, whiskers, spectacles, and fake nose—becoming headless before their eyes. 

When the constable tries to arrest him, Griffin removes his remaining clothes, gradually vanishing entirely. A chaotic scene follows, with the constable and villagers struggling to catch something they cannot see. In the end, Griffin knocks the constable unconscious and escapes, successfully eluding everyone.

Character Analysis of Griffin Griffin is both an exceptional scientist and a morally questionable individual. His intellectual accomplishment is impressive, but he consistently breaks the law and acts selfishly—burning down his landlord’s house, stealing clothes and money, and attacking others. His disregard for right and wrong raises questions about the responsibilities that come with powerful scientific knowledge.

Major Themes and Ideas Some key themes in this chapter include the limits of science, the dangers of unchecked ambition, and the ethical dilemmas faced by those who possess unusual abilities. 

The question of whether science is used for the good of society or to serve selfish ends is a central concern. The story also explores how society reacts to the unknown or unexplained, such as the villagers believing in witchcraft.

Important Questions from the Chapter

• How did the invisible man first become visible?
• Why was Griffin wandering the streets?
• Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
• What extraordinary things happen at the inn?

Students are also encouraged to think about deeper ideas, such as the ethics of scientific progress and the concept of invisibility—both real and metaphorical. 

There are questions about the scientific explanation of transparency, as seen in glass and water, and whether invisibility is possible according to science. The chapter ends with suggested readings, inviting learners to read more stories exploring similar scientific and philosophical questions.

Key Takeaways

• The story highlights the pros and cons of scientific inventions.
• Griffin’s journey from a brilliant scientist to a dangerous fugitive unfolds through engaging and suspenseful incidents.
• Society’s reaction to the unusual raises questions about fear, suspicion, and curiosity.
• The narrative prompts discussions about personal responsibility and the consequences of one’s actions.

Suggested Readings and Further Learning

• The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells (for the complete story)
• ‘As Far As the Human Eye Can See’ by Isaac Asimov
• It Happened Tomorrow, edited by Bal Phondke

This chapter is ideal for revision as it covers story points, character analysis, important questions, and themes in simple language. Students are encouraged to reflect on the story’s messages and scientific context, making it helpful for exams and deeper understanding.

Class 10 English Chapter 5 Notes – Footprints Without Feet: Important Study Guide

These Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet Chapter 5 notes focus on all the essential facts and key points from the story of Griffin and his remarkable invisibility experiment. Reviewing these structured notes will help students revise main events, character traits, and themes—ensuring effective exam preparation. Each section addresses commonly asked questions for a clear and organized study experience.

Using these revision notes for CBSE Class 10 English Chapter 5 allows learners to quickly revisit the chapter’s plot, important characters like Griffin, and examination-relevant concepts. These notes are based on the official NCERT content, and their simple language makes them a reliable resource for last-minute revisions before tests or board exams.