CBSE Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Important Questions Set 03

Short Answer Questions

Question 1. Invisibility proved to be a curse than a boon for Griffin, Discuss.
Answer: The ability to become invisible came to Griffin under the condition of nakedness. This was like a curse because he was roaming in the streets of London without clothes during the harsh winter. Every time he was on the verge of getting caught, he had to undress himself in order to escape. In this way he was cursed to face the hostile weather and fear of being caught.

Long Answer Questions

Question 1. “Discoveries of science can be used for welfare as well as for destruction.” How is this applicable to Griffin’s scientific discovery? How did Griffin bring a bad name to his invention? How was his character?
Answer: A true scientist works for the good of humanity. He wants to make man’s life easier, more comfortable and enjoyable. He does not misuse his discoveries for personal gains or selfish ends. But Griffin, though a brilliant scientist, misuses his discovery. By his experiments, he has been able to make his body transparent and invisible. He uses this discovery to puzzle other people, enters stores and shops unseen, robs people of their money or things and escapes. He sets fire to the house of his landlord, who tried to eject him. He steals food, clothes and money. Griffin brought a bad name to science by misusing his invention. He was a selfish man with a criminal bent of mind.

Question 2. Griffin was a brilliant scientist but not a true one. What made him a bad scientist? What does it show about his character? How is the value of ‘welfare for all’ important in the life of a scientist?
Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist but not a true one. He discovered how the human body could be made transparent. It was an amazing discovery that could have been used for the welfare of society. But Griffin misused it. He used it to puzzle others. He disturbed the peace of others. He robbed innocent people. He took revenge upon his landlord. It shows he was not a man of good character. He lacked the values of kindness, cooperation and humility. He was an eccentric, dishonest and lawless scientist who brought a bad name to science. He did not understand the value of welfare for all. If he had used his invention for a good cause, he would have been remembered forever.

Question 3. One must be a law-abiding citizen of the country. Griffin lacked this attribute in his character. How did it make him an undesirable person? How did lawlessness overshadow his greatness as a scientist?
Answer: One must be a law-abiding person. Those who don’t follow rules become a nuisance for society. Griffin was no doubt a brilliant scientist but his lawlessness overshadowed his brilliance. He misused his discovery and disturbed the peace of society. He robbed a store, attacked the shopkeeper, frightened Mrs Hall and had a fight with the constable. All these lawless activities made Griffin an undesirable person in society. He used his invention for self-interest and for taking revenge upon the people around him.

Question 4. Are there forces around us that are invisible, for example, magnetism? Are there aspects of matter that are ‘invisible’ or not visible to the naked eye? What would the world be like if you could see such forces or such aspects of matter?
Answer: Yes, there are forces around us that are invisible, such as magnetism, gravitation, air and electric current. These aspects of matter are not visible to the naked eye because they cannot be perceived by the sense of sight, but these forces can definitely be felt.
The world would have been more adventurous and interesting, because we have seen such forces only on paper or in books and never with the eye as of now. The understanding of the components of matter would have been easier.
Above all, Nature would never have been as mysterious and mighty as it is now, if we could see its hidden aspects with the naked eye.

Question 5. Griffin’s landlord didn’t like him, and he tried to eject Griffin out of his house. Imagine yourself as the writer of the story. Develop a conversation between Griffin and his landlord.
Answer: Griffin: But why do you want me to leave the house? I have been consistent in paying you! What trouble am I causing you?
Landlord: I have no idea what you are up to! The entire day and night, you keep yourself locked inside the room. I have heard from the neighbours that you carry out mysterious activities inside the room. Tell me, what do you do?
Griffin: That is none of your business. You have rented me a room, for which I pay you a huge amount every month. You should only be worried about receiving the money on time.
Landlord: Not at all. I don’t want any such mysterious person in my house. Get out right now.
Griffin: Okay. You will have to pay for it!

Question 6. Imagine Griffin is brought before the judge after being caught by the cops. He needs to defend himself and prove that he is not guilty of the charges. As Griffin, prepare a statement that you would use in court to prove your innocence. You may begin like this: I plead not guilty. I have been accused of ______ howevev...
Answer: I plead not guilty.
I have been accused of committing several thefts and misdeeds; however, I have a reason behind all my actions. I am a curious scientist, and I have spent countless sleepless nights trying to discover a rare drug that can make me invisible. When one night I was finally successful in discovering the way to get invisible, I was overjoyed. I used it to escape Footprints Without Feet [\’] 231 after burning my landlord’s house, but it was the landlord’s fault. He threw me out of the house in this chilly weather. At Iping, I just wanted to help Mrs. Hall by giving her the rent. So, I took some money from the clergyman’s house. I wasn’t wrong at any place. I did everything to save myself from harsh outcomes.

Question 7. Griffin set the house on fire when he was thrown out. Anger and revenge are in no way a solution to any problem. You are a columnist for a Class X e-zine (magazine). Create a column on the importance of anger management for teens and its detrimental effects on health.
You may begin like this: In life, we all experience moments of anger. It's a natural emotion that can be triggered by various situations ______
Answer: The Importance of Anger Management for Teens
In life, we all experience moments of anger. It's a natural emotion that can be triggered by various situations, but it's how we manage our anger that truly matters.
When anger takes control, it can cloud our judgement and lead us to make impulsive decisions that we may regret later. One such example is Griffin from "Footprints without Feet," who, consumed by rage, set a house on fire as an act of revenge. This act not only harmed others but also escalated the situation further.
When we're angry, taking a step back, practising deep breathing exercises, and finding healthy approaches like talking to a trusted adult or engaging in physical activities can help us calm down.

Question 8. Read the following quote by Carl Sagan, a famous astronomer: “Science is not perfect. It can be misused. It is only a tool.” Justify the quote given above in light of what Griffin does in ‘Footprints without Feet’. (Delhi Gov. 2021)
Answer: The quote “Science is not perfect. It can be misused. It is only a tool.” is perfectly justified in the story “Footprints Without Feet”. Griffin, who is a brilliant scientist, discovered a rare drug that was able to make him invisible. It was an astonishing scientific achievement by Griffin. However, Griffin was a lawless person. He could have used his amazing scientific discovery for the benefit of mankind, but he chose to use it for his own benefit. He committed a lot of misdeeds and tortured innocent people after becoming invisible. Hence, it is rightly said that science is a tool that should only be given into the hands of responsible people; otherwise, the world might get destroyed.

Question 9. Based on your reading of the textual cue given below, write a conversation between the two characters – Mrs. Hall and Griffin. "Mrs. Hall, the landlord's wife made every effort to be friendly, but Griffin had no desire to talk." (CBSE Practice Set-2, 2023)
Answer: Mrs. Hall: It is such a pleasure to have you as my guest, Mr. ______
Griffin: Never mind my name, Madam. I guess I have made my payment in advance, and you should not bother me any further.
Mrs. Hall: Well, yes of course. Thanks a lot for the payment. I was just wondering if you would need any help with something since you seem to be in a terrible state, these bandages and all.
Griffin: Oh, no! All is fine with me. No concern required at all. Now, if you may please leave me to do my important work for which I sought solitude in this village on the outskirts of the city.
Mrs. Hall: Sure. It's fine with me. Still... I mean in case you ever need any assistance, feel free to call me...
Griffin: Madam, stop being overindulgent. I can manage all my needs. Please leave and close the door behind you.

Question 10. Did Griffin from ‘Footprints without Feet’ follow the saying 'With great power comes great responsibility'? Justify your answer in 120 words. (CBSE Practice Set-1, 2023)
Answer: No, Griffin did not follow the saying ‘with great power comes great responsibility’. Since Griffin did not think of anyone else except himself, this saying is not what he followed. After he managed to make himself invisible, he did not use his powers of invisibility for good. Instead, one of the first things he did was set fire to his landlord's house in an act of revenge. He did not think of helping anyone with his newfound powers; instead, he harmed other people for his own gain. He stole clothes and food for himself without feeling any remorse. When his money ran low once more, he again resorted to stealing and robbed a clergyman. Finally, when the police were about to catch him, instead of going quietly and accepting his arrest, he fought back and escaped. At no time did Griffin take any responsibility for his actions.

Question 11. A character arc is the transformation or development of a character throughout a story and refers to the changes a character undergoes as a result of his/her experiences, challenges and interaction with other characters. In light of the above statement, trace the character arc of Griffin in ‘Footprints without Feet’. (CBSE 2024)
Answer: In "Footprints Without Feet," Griffin's character arc follows from one of scientific curiosity to moral deterioration. Initially, Griffin is presented as an intelligent but reckless scientist who is motivated by his desire to discover the possibility of invisibility. His transformation starts when he learns the secret ingredient for invisibility. He breaks away from moral limits and societal conventions as he turns invisible. This is made clear when he sets fire to the house of his landlord in order to take revenge from him and runs away.
Moreover, Griffin robs a store to survive in the cold weather and becomes invisible again. This is an example of him not following the law. His actions are motivated by a lack of respect for other people. He responds angrily and adamantly when Mrs. Hall confronts him. Griffin's identity serves to highlight the negative effects of unethical behaviour.

Question 12. Both Hari Singh and Griffin get by with petty thievery. They are both skilled when it comes to getting away with their crimes. Analyse the similarities and differences between the two characters.
Answer: Both Hari Singh and Griffin get by through stealing and are skilled at getting away. Hari Singh charms people, changes his name every month and robs those who trust him. Griffin uses his invisibility to escape after setting a house on fire, robbing a London store and stealing money from a clergyman.
However, the two are very different. Hari Singh is a young, poor boy with a conscience. Anil’s trust and the chance of education make him return the money and choose an honest life. Griffin, a brilliant scientist, feels no remorse. He becomes more lawless and violent as the story goes on. Hari Singh is reformed, while Griffin is ruined by his power.

Question 13. Imagine yourself as Mrs. Hall. You decide to write a diary entry, exploring the theme of corrupting influence of power in context of your own experience. Write a diary entry in about 120 words.
Answer: 20 January 20XX, Friday 10 p.m.
Dear Diary,
The last few days have been the strangest of my life. The stranger in our inn, covered in bandages, turned out to be a scientist who could make himself invisible. At first, I tried to be friendly and was glad that he had paid in advance. But he was rude and secretive, and soon he stopped paying.
Today, his empty room came alive. The hat flew at my face and my poor mother’s chair pushed us out. Later, he threw off his clothes and fought the constable.
I have learnt how power can corrupt a person. A great discovery in the wrong hands brings only fear and harm.
Mrs.
Hall

Question 14. Why were the two boys in London surprised? (Delhi 2013)
Answer: The two boys in London were surprised because they saw fresh muddy footprints on the steps of a house in the middle of London. There was no one visible to whom the footprints could belong. The boys were looking in amazement when a fresh footprint without feet appeared out of nowhere, followed by another and another. Gradually, the footprints became lighter and lighter till they disappeared completely.

Question 15. A brilliant scientist though he was, Griffin misused his scientific discovery. Illustrate this point by giving any two examples from the story. (100-150 words) (CBSE 2020)
Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist but he was not a law-abiding person. He carried out experiment after experiment to prove that the human body could become invisible. Finally, one day he swallowed certain rare drugs and his body became transparent, just like a sheet of glass.
When Griffin became invisible he started taking advantage of his scientific discovery. First he set fire to his landlord’s house and ran away. Then he stole food and clothes without paying for them in a London store. When the store opened the next day and the shop assistants started arriving, he ran and escaped by removing his clothes and becoming invisible again. Besides, he also robbed the owner of a theatrical company and stole money from a clergyman’s desk.

Question 16. Describe the landlord’s and his wife’s experience with the strange scientist.
Answer: Both the landlord and his wife, Mrs. Hall, were astonished to find the scientist’s room door open because normally it was always locked. So they decided to peep in, but strangely enough they found nobody there. The clothes and bandages and other things that he always wore were lying about the room. The whole room was in disorder. Suddenly, Mrs. Hall heard a sniff close to her ear and the hat on the bedpost leapt up and dashed itself into her face. Then the bedroom chair sprang into the air and pushed them both out of the room, and then the door appeared to slam and lock itself after them. Mrs. Hall became hysterical and almost fell down the stairs. She thought that the room was haunted by spirits and that the stranger had made her furniture haunted. They decided to confront the scientist the next time they met him.

Question 17. What impression do you form of Griffin after reading the lesson ‘Footprints without Feet’?
Answer: Griffin was a brilliant scientist. Through his rigorous research he discovered a drug which could make his body as transparent as a sheet of glass after swallowing it. This made him invisible. But he was a lawless person. He did some gruesome antisocial things because of which he became a homeless wanderer without clothes and money. He was an introvert with a desire for solitude. He was always seeking adventure and was fond of mysterious things. However, he was unscrupulous, as he robbed various people to finance his work; besides, he got angry very quickly, which caused him to become a fugitive.

Question 18. What was the curious episode that took place in the clergyman’s study?
Answer: One day, early in the morning, some sounds came from the study. The clergyman and his wife were awakened by those sounds. They quickly came downstairs. They heard the chink of money from the study. It was clear that someone was taking away money from the clergyman’s desk. The clergyman took a poker in his hand. He carefully opened the door. He expected to find a thief in the room. So he shouted and asked the man to surrender. But he found the room empty. They were surprised. He and his wife looked under the desk. They looked behind the curtains. They even checked the chimney. But they did not find anybody. However, the desk had been opened. They found that money was missing from the desk. This was really a curious episode.

Question 19. Why was the arrival of the stranger in the village an unusual event? Give two reasons.
Answer: Griffin was a scientist. He reached the village inn in winter. He was a stranger in that village. It was not a proper time to visit the village. People did not come there in winter. So the event was unusual. Secondly, Griffin looked very strange. He was wearing dark glasses, a false nose and a big hat. His head was covered with bandages. He did not talk to anyone in the village. He said that he wanted to be alone. He asked Mrs. Hall not to disturb him. The people of the village were attracted by his strange appearance and habits. Thus, his coming to the village was an unusual event.

Question 20. How would you assess Griffin as a scientist and a human being? What qualities or values would you suggest will make him a better person?
Answer: Griffin was an eccentric scientist who had discovered a rare drug which could make him invisible. Griffin became invisible not for the welfare of society but to satisfy his own ego and carry out evil deeds. He was a brilliant scientist but not a law-abiding person. He was a criminal scientist who had no respect for humanity. He stole money from the clergyman’s house and set his landlord’s house on fire for his own benefit. He was also not a good human being. He was rude to everyone. When anyone asked about his secret, he hit them and escaped by becoming invisible. I would like to suggest that he imbibe empathy, kindness, helpfulness, honesty, generosity, social responsibility, etc. These values will make him a better person. He should have used his discovery for the benefit of society and his country.

Question 21. How did Griffin‘s invisibility come to his help whenever he found himself in trouble?
Answer: Griffin was a scientist who swallowed a drug to make his body transparent. Though he was brilliant-minded, he was a lawless person. When the landlord tried to eject him from his house, he set fire to the landlord’s house and escaped after becoming invisible. He entered a store to wear clothes in order to protect himself from the cold. When the assistants chased him, he became invisible again by removing his clothes. He robbed the shopkeeper of the theatrical goods . Later, when he was short of money, his invisibility helped him to steal money from the Clergyman’s study. When the Constable tried to catch the headless scientist, he threw off one garment after another and became totally invisible. In this way, his invisibility helped him to escape whenever he was in trouble.

Question 22. Griffin made a great invention in the invisibility drug but he still is not a positive character in the story. Why?
Answer: Griffin made a brilliant drug—one that made him invisible. He, however, used it for his own advantages. He stole clothes and food from a store. Then he also stole things from a theatre company shop after hitting the salesman. He then went to an inn and stole money from the study there to pay for his room. When the constable came to arrest him he hit him and made him unconscious. All this lawlessness makes him, a negative character despite his brilliant invention. He was an excellent scientist who had achieved a feat that most scientists could only dream of. But on the flipside, he was not a moral human being. He has no moral values to control his strength and power.