Who or what is represented by "the invisible man" in H.G.Wells' novel of that name ?

Question

There can be many interpretations, of course. Who comes up with most, or the most original ideas, or is the most convincing or interesting, wins.

Answer 1

"The Invisible Man" is one of a series of "Scientific Romances" that Wells wrote relatively early on in his career, which are apart from his mainstream novels and histories and activities in the Fabian Society (an English Socialist group). Others in the series include "The Time Machine", The War of the Worlds", "The Island of Dr. Moreau", "The Food of the Gods", &etc. Rather than being specific allegories, the "Romances" are elaborate variations on "what if...". Wells liked to compare their intent with leaving the reader feeling as if they had had a "gripping dream".

        "The Invisible Man", may very well be Wells' satirical observations on the tendency of science to become monomaniacal when creating---progress for the sake of progress, rather than for the improvement of society, uncaring that the effects may be not only dangerous, but self-destructive.

         Griffin, the young student who discovers the principles of the process of invisibility, is so addicted to the idea of perfecting his ideas into reality that he lies, steals and cheats, then, once invisible, abandons morality and his own humanity in attempts to become powerful and a force to be reckoned with---he has become invisible as a man and as a human entity. It is only in death that his humanity can once again be seen--broken, and pathetic.

       That's the way I see it.

Answer 2

I haven’t read The Invisible Man.  Have a look at these sites.  They should help you with your work with this book.

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/invisiblem...

http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/t...

http://www.cliffsnotes.com/WileyCDA/LitN...