HOW DOES WELLS PORTRAY THE THEME OF

UNKNOWN VERSES KNOWN IN THE NOVEL.

By Vishwa Desai, Parushi Hirani,Mukti Vasta, Imani weke, Maan Patel and Anne-
Marie Ngugi. 10.2
 Introduction

Fantasy writer and science-fiction pioneer writer H.G. Wells expertly examines the issue
of the unknown compared to the known in his classic work "The War of the Worlds." In
order to explore the different aspects of fear, adaptation, and understanding in the face
of the unfamiliar, Wells offers an intriguing narrative of the Martian invasion and
human survival. The text expertly creates a story that challenges ideas of what is known
and what is still unidentified; from the protagonist's first moments filled with
uncertainty and panic to his or her final encounter with the mysterious Martians.
At first glance, the soldier who escapes death from the Martians' Heat-Ray -the Artilleryman- shows a
reasonable and thoughtful survival strategy as seen in chapter 11 “...The man began to crawl cautiously
across the hot heather ash towards the horsell and managed to get alive into the ditch by the side of the
road and so escaped to Woking ‘’ and later guides the narrator from danger, but as the invasion goes on,
he suffers tremendous psychological changes, ranging from reality to fantasy.He later appears as the one
who attempts to hold onto hope and is determined to remain alive in spite of overwhelming odds
highlighting his struggles of adapting to unexpected circumstances. This is an example of his reasonable
and cautious reactions to the invasion. In order to get around the battlefield and adapt to the new reality
imposed by the Martians, his military skills and caution are vital, even turning to religion to keep his
spirits high not knowing what will eventually come of the invasion, but much like everyone hopes for the
prevailing of humanity.
The narrator's brother, an observant, intelligent medical student with a high sense of
responsibility and leadership. He serves as an opposition to the absurdity of the Design. He
says the words “...I dare not leave my people” in chapter 16, he greatly encourages them to
stay together in those times of crisis, unity becoming their greatest weapon.His capacity for
rational thought and his pragmatic survival strategy demonstrate his fortitude in a foreign
environment. He demonstrates adaptability and wisdom by choosing not to prioritize
belongings over safety in a civilization that has been utterly turned upside down by alien
invasion
The main character's interaction with the Martians in H.G. Wells' "The War of the Worlds," particularly in
Chapter 6, emphasizes the sharp contrast among the known and the unknown. Wells continues to say, "With a
whistling note that rose above the droning of the pit, the beam swung close over their heads, lighting the tops of
the beech-trees that line the road, and splitting the bricks,smashing the windows…"The advanced technology of
the alien invaders, including the massive tripods and heat rays, the Martians set up, is a striking illustration of
humanity's lack of awareness of forces beyond its own universe. The tripods, which are towering battle weapons
used by the Martians, stand for both their physical dominance and the wide intellectual gap that divides them
from humans. Wells cleverly portrays these interactions as breakthroughs for the main character, who has to
face his own doubts and anxieties in order to survive in this strange new world.The quotation perfectly conveys
this idea and informs the reader of the impending threat the Martians pose.
A major turning point in the main character's adventure occurs in Chapter 17, when he confronts the
Thunder Child, one of the most violent manifestations of the unknown. All that is intriguing and menacing
about the invaders can be seen in this Martian fighting machine"they do not seem to have aimed at
extermination so much as at complete demoralization and the destruction of any opposition".With its great
destructive potential, the protagonist feels driven to face his innermost fears and insecurities as it rises huge on
the horizon. He does, however, begin solving some of the problems of the Martians and their advances in
technology as a result of this encounter. He not only shows his drive and resourcefulness by defeating this
seemingly overwhelming challenge, but he also learns significant details about the Martians' flaws. This
significant incident highlights Wells' theme research of how intelligence and flexibility could reduce the gap
between the known and the unknown.
 CONCLUSION

Ultimately, "The War of the Worlds" by H.G. Wells is a classic instance of humanity's
constant struggle against unpredictable forces. Readers of every age can relate to Wells' great
portrayal of an idea of unknown compared to known through a narrative full of suspense,
intrigue, and logical depth. Wells pushes us to face our own worries and doubts while
embracing the rapidly evolving potential of knowledge and experience in navigating a
constantly changing world by challenging assumptions and pushing boundaries.
The End.
Feel Free To Ask Any Questions…