Invisible Man Symbolism

The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells tells the tale of a man who was overtaken by his desire to fit in with the rest of the world. This desire eventually turned him into someone he never used to be, and his success in creating something truly amazing is the same thing that drove him to be the most unhappy and changed person he’d ever been. The use of symbolism and irony in The Invisible Man work to convey how people are placed in society, and how success and desire can change someone for the worse. The use of symbolism in The Invisible Man is very prominent throughout the story. Griffin’s invisibility is symbolic of his place in society. He never really fit in, as stated on page 71 when Griffin says, “...a younger student, almost an albino, six

In the case of The Invisible Man, it is for the worse. Griffin was never really a open or welcoming person, as stated on page 8, “...but, as a rule, I like to be alone and undisturbed.” His invisibility, however, later on shows that he has been sent down a much darker path. Griffin had been different all his life, so when he started his work towards achieving invisibility, his reasoning was to finally have a feeling of importance and freedom. Page 83 states, “To do such a thing would be to transcend magic… the mystery, the power, the freedom. Drawbacks I saw none… I, a shabby, poverty-struck, hemmed-in demonstrator, teaching fools in a provincial college, might suddenly become---this.” Griffin started out with excitement to be able to achieve something of great importance and have an impact on the world. His desire to do something that made him happier, however, is the same thing that ultimately destroyed his life. As the story progressed, it was shown that Griffin started down a path of crime and violence. At one point, he broke into a couple’s house and rummaged around in their study in search of money. Page 23 states, “They heard the chink of money, and realised that the robber had found the housekeeping reserve of gold…” From this robbery, he turned to violence on page 65 when Griffin was chasing Mr. Marvel around a bar, trying to catch him after he’s run away. “He’ll