The Invisible Man

by

H. G. Wells

The Invisible Man: Chapter 15 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Doctor Kemp is sitting in his office overlooking Burdock. The bookshelves are piled high with books and “scientific publications.” Doctor Kemp himself is tall, slim, and fair-haired. He hopes to soon be admitted as a fellow of the Royal Society. Looking out his window, Doctor Kemp sees a short man running through the field, and assumes it is “another of those fools” who keep talking about the Invisible Man.
This is the first time the book introduces a character who is of a similar class status and background to Griffin. Doctor Kemp appears to hold similarly snooty views about the local “fools,” suggesting they share the same attitude of superiority.
Themes
The Future vs. the Past Theme Icon
Skepticism vs. Belief Theme Icon
Humans, Science, and Nature Theme Icon
Quotes
Doctor Kemp observes that the man is clearly in a great rush, but that he is moving very slowly, as if his pockets were weighed down with lead. As the man comes nearer, it is clear from his face that he feels abject terror. Suddenly everyone in the village begins to lock themselves inside, while others shout: “The Invisible Man is coming! The Invisible Man!
This scene could come straight out of a horror story. In the minds of local people, the Invisible Man has been turned into a monster, the kind of mythic figure children fear.
Themes
Freedom, Anonymity, and Immorality Theme Icon
Skepticism vs. Belief Theme Icon