CBSE Class 10 English: Footprints without Feet NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 10 English, Chapter 5, "Footprints without Feet". It covers key questions from the "Read and Find Out", "Think About It", and "Talk About It" sections. The solutions delve into the character of Griffin, the invisible scientist, exploring his transformation, his motivations for his actions, and the consequences of his invisibility. Students will find explanations for how Griffin first became visible, why he was wandering the streets, and the peculiar events that unfolded at the inn and in the clergyman's study. The solutions also offer insights into assessing Griffin's character as both a brilliant scientist and a lawless individual, prompting critical thinking about the ethical implications of scientific discovery. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the nuances of the story and prepare effectively for their English examinations by offering clear, step-by-step explanations and thought-provoking analysis.

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BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectEnglish
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
Chapter5. Footprints without Feet

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for "Footprints without Feet" (Chapter 5) for Class 10 English. This chapter focuses on the story of Griffin, a scientist who discovers invisibility. The solutions address questions about his initial visibility, his homelessness, the eccentricities observed by Mrs. Hall, and the mysterious happenings at the inn and clergyman's study. They also prompt reflection on Griffin's character, his lawless nature, and the ethical considerations of scientific power, encouraging students to analyze the story's themes and characters.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand the sequence of events leading to Griffin's visibility.
  • Analyze Griffin's motivations for his actions and his lawless behavior.
  • Evaluate Griffin's character as both a scientist and an individual.
  • Identify and explain the curious and extraordinary events in the story.
  • Discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of invisibility.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Griffin's invisibility
  • Becoming visible
  • Lawless behavior
  • Eccentricity
  • Mysterious events
  • Scientific discovery
  • Ethical implications of science
  • Character analysis

Important topics

  • Griffin's journey from invisibility to visibility
  • Analysis of Griffin's lawless character
  • The consequences of unchecked scientific power
  • Understanding the mysterious events at the inn

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Questions and Solutions

Read and Find Out (Page 26)

Question 1.

How did the invisible man first become visible?
Solution: The invisible man, whose name was Griffin, initially became visible when he sought refuge in a large London store to stay warm. He had taken clothes from the store to wear. When the shop opened in the morning, the shop assistants noticed him, thus making him visible. To evade them and regain his invisibility, he had to remove all the stolen clothes.

Question 2.

Why was he wandering the streets?
Solution: Although Griffin was an exceptionally brilliant scientist, he was also a person who disregarded laws. His landlord had developed a strong dislike for him and intended to evict him. In an act of revenge for this attempted eviction, Griffin set his landlord's house on fire. To escape the consequences and become invisible, he removed his clothes, which led him to become homeless and wander the streets of London.

Page 28

Question 1.

Why does Mrs Hall find the scientist eccentric?
Solution: Mrs. Hall perceived the scientist as eccentric primarily due to his highly unusual and strange appearance. Furthermore, when she attempted to engage with him in a friendly manner, he rebuffed her advances. He explicitly stated that he had come to the inn seeking solitude and did not wish for his work to be disturbed, which she found peculiar.

Question 2.

What curious episode occurs in the study?
Solution: A curious episode occurred very early one morning when a clergyman and his wife were awakened by unusual noises emanating from their study. They then heard the distinct sound of coins being taken from the desk within the study. However, upon entering the room to investigate, they found no one present, which they found to be a very strange and curious occurrence.

Question 3.

What other extraordinary things happen at the inn?
Solution: At the inn, Mrs. Hall and her husband experienced several extraordinary events. Finding the scientist's room door ajar, they entered, only to find him absent. Suddenly, Mrs. Hall heard a sniff, and the hat perched on the bedpost sprang up and dashed into her face. Following this, the bedroom chair itself seemed to come alive, springing into the air and forcefully pushing both Mr. and Mrs. Hall out of the room. These unsettling events led Mrs. Hall to believe that her furniture was haunted.

Think About It (Page 31)

Question 1.

"Griffin was rather a lawless person." Comment.
Solution: The statement that Griffin was a lawless person is well-supported by his actions throughout the story. He showed no concern for the harm he might cause to others in pursuit of his own desires. For instance, he deliberately set his landlord's house on fire simply because the landlord attempted to evict him. His subsequent actions, such as robbing shops and later engaging in theft in the village, further highlight his disregard for the law. When confronted by the landlady of the inn and her husband, he resorted to violence, throwing a chair at them. Individuals like Griffin, who act without regard for legal or moral boundaries, are solely focused on their own needs and convenience, showing no consideration for the safety or well-being of others.

Question 2.

How would you assess Griffin as a scientist?
Solution: As a scientist, Griffin is undoubtedly brilliant, evidenced by his groundbreaking discovery of how to make himself invisible. However, his character reveals a troubling aspect: he seems to relish the immense power and control that his invisibility grants him. The ability to harm others without being detected can provide a sadistic pleasure to certain individuals. A true scientist, in contrast, should aim to use their discoveries for the greater benefit of society and humanity, rather than solely for personal gain or malicious intent.

Talk About It (Page 31)

Question 1.

Would you like to become invisible? What advantages and disadvantages do you foresee, if you did?
Solution: The prospect of becoming invisible is likely an exciting idea for many people. However, like any powerful ability, invisibility presents both significant advantages and disadvantages. For a child, the temptation might be to use invisibility for pranks and mischief without fear of being caught. In a more dramatic sense, one might imagine using it to overcome adversaries, akin to a movie hero. The initial excitement of being unnoticed could quickly give way to the profound sadness and isolation that comes from being completely disconnected from human interaction and recognition.

Common mistakes

  • Confusing the sequence of Griffin's actions.
  • Underestimating the ethical implications of Griffin's scientific discovery.
  • Failing to connect Griffin's invisibility to his lawless behavior.
  • Not fully appreciating Mrs. Hall's perspective on the scientist's eccentricity.

Revision tips

  • Reread the story focusing on Griffin's actions and their consequences.
  • Make a timeline of key events in Griffin's journey.
  • Discuss the moral questions raised by Griffin's invisibility with classmates.
  • Practice answering the 'Think About It' and 'Talk About It' questions in your own words.

Practice MCQs

Q1. How did Griffin first become visible?

Q2. Why was Griffin evicted by his landlord?

Q3. What made Mrs. Hall consider the scientist eccentric?

Q4. What unusual event happened in the clergyman's study?

Q5. What did Mrs. Hall experience when she entered Griffin's room?

Q6. The story suggests Griffin was a lawless person because he:

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of the chapter 'Footprints without Feet'?

The main theme revolves around the consequences of scientific discovery when used irresponsibly, focusing on the character of Griffin, an invisible scientist whose actions become increasingly lawless.

How did Griffin first become visible according to the NCERT Solutions?

Griffin first became visible after he stole clothes from a London store to keep warm. When the store opened, the shop assistants saw him, making him visible.

Why is Griffin described as a 'lawless person'?

He is called lawless because he set his landlord's house on fire in revenge, committed robberies, and acted violently towards others, showing no regard for laws or the well-being of people.

What curious events happen at the inn?

At the inn, Mrs. Hall and her husband experienced strange phenomena like a hat leaping up and dashing into Mrs. Hall's face, and a bedroom chair springing into the air and pushing them out of the room, making them believe the furniture was haunted.

How do these NCERT Solutions help Class 10 English students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to all questions, helping students understand the story's plot, character motivations, and underlying themes, which is crucial for exam preparation.

Important links

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