NCERT Class 10 English Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader: Chapter 5 — Footprints without Feet
This chapter, 'Footprints without Feet' from the NCERT Class 10 English supplementary reader, introduces Griffin, a brilliant but lawless scientist who discovers a way to make himself invisible. The narrative begins with two boys in London discovering mysterious muddy footprints. They follow these prints, which lead them to understand the phenomenon of invisibility. Griffin, after making himself invisible by consuming rare drugs, uses his discovery for personal gain, including setting fire to his landlord's house and escaping unseen. He then seeks warmth and sustenance in a London store during winter, dressing himself and enjoying a lavish meal. However, his inability to wake up before the store opened leads to further complications, setting the stage for his subsequent adventures. The chapter explores themes of scientific discovery, its ethical implications, and the consequences of misuse.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 — Footprints without Feet |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 278 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the concept of invisibility as presented in the story.
- Analyze the character of Griffin, a scientist with a disregard for law.
- Identify the consequences of Griffin's actions and his misuse of science.
- Follow the sequence of events in the narrative.
- Appreciate the narrative structure and descriptive language used in the chapter.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| imprints | a mark or series of marks left by something that has pressed on, against, or against something else. |
| barefooted | having nothing on one's feet. |
| gazed | looked steadily and intently, especially in admiration, surprise, or confusion. |
| remarkable | worthy of attention; striking. |
| bewildered | perplexed and confused. |
| transparent | allowing light to pass through so that objects behind can be distinctly seen. |
| lawless | without regard for or in defiance of the law. |
| eject | force or throw out an object or a person with force. |
| wanderer | a person who wanders. |
| fascinated | attracted and interested. |
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Practice questions
- What did the two boys first notice on the steps of a house in London? Answer: They noticed fresh muddy imprints of a pair of bare feet.
- Who was responsible for the footprints, and how did he become invisible? Answer: The footprints were made by a scientist named Griffin, who became invisible by swallowing certain rare drugs.
- Why did Griffin set fire to his landlord's house? Answer: He set fire to the house in revenge because his landlord disliked him and tried to eject him.
- What did Griffin do to get warm and fed in London? Answer: He slipped into a big London store, put on warm clothes, and ate food from the restaurant and grocery store.
- What mistake did Griffin make that led to his discovery by the store assistants? Answer: He failed to wake up in time and was discovered by the assistants when they arrived the next morning.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of the chapter 'Footprints without Feet'?
The chapter explores the theme of scientific discovery, its potential for misuse, and the consequences of a scientist's lawless behavior.
Who is Griffin in the story?
Griffin is a brilliant scientist who discovers how to make himself invisible but is also a lawless and selfish individual.
How did Griffin become invisible?
Griffin became invisible by swallowing certain rare drugs that made his body transparent.
Why was Griffin wandering the streets of London without clothes?
He had to remove his clothes to escape unseen after setting fire to his landlord's house, making him a homeless wanderer.
What challenges did Griffin face during his time in London?
He faced the challenge of being invisible and unclothed in the bitter cold of mid-winter, and the need to find food and shelter without money.
What was the initial mystery that puzzled the two boys?
The mystery was the appearance of fresh muddy footprints of a barefooted man on the steps of a house, with no visible person.
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NCERT Class 10 English — Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader — Chapter 5 — Footprints without Feet. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.