The Invisible Man: Chapter 17 Summary & Analysis

Doctor Kemp is writing in his study when he hears the shots being fired. He wonders what the “asses” in Burdock are doing now, and looks outside to see commotion by the Jolly Cricketers. An hour later, his front doorbell rings. He asks the servant who it was, and she replies it was just a “runaway ring.” Doctor Kemp absorbs himself in work again, and doesn’t leave his office until 2 am. He goes to get a glass of whisky before bed, and on the way notices a dark spot on the floor near the bottom of the stairs. Inspecting it, he realizes it is dried blood. He then goes to his bedroom and finds the door handle blood-stained, as well as other spots of blood around the place.

Doctor Kemp hears a voice saying his name, but dismisses it because he is “no believer in Voices.” However, there is still a part of him that has “superstitious inklings.” Suddenly he sees a bloody rag hanging in mid-air, which makes him jump. A voice speaks to him again and announces itself as “an Invisible Man.” Kemp is sure that this is only foolishness or a “trick.” However, he then feels Griffin’s hand close around his shoulder. Griffin holds tight and demands that Kemp be still, threatening him if he moves.

Griffin explains that he really is an Invisible Man and that he doesn’t want to hurt Kemp, but that if Kemp behaves like a “frantic rustic” then he will have no choice. He introduces himself as Griffin, reminding Kemp that they met at University College London. He describes himself as younger than Kemp, tall, and “almost an albino,” with a pink and white face and red eyes. Kemp is confused, calling the situation “horrible” and accusing Griffin of “devilry.” Griffin agrees that it is horrible, and tells Kemp that he is injured and needs help.

Griffin demands some whisky, saying he is “near dead.” Kemp gives Griffin the glass and insists that he must be hypnotized. Griffin dismisses Kemp’s confusion and demands food. He borrows one of Kemp’s dressing gowns, and then asks for socks, slippers, and food. Kemp obliges, adding that “this is the insanest thing I ever was in.” Kemp brings some meat, which Griffin eats without cutlery, making it look as if the food is being mashed up by the air. Griffin eats greedily, saying that happening upon Kemp’s house was the first piece of good luck he has had.

Griffin explains that Marvel tried to steal his money. When Kemp tries to ask him more questions, Griffin protests that he wants to eat without having to tell stories. After his food, Griffin demands a cigar, which he smokes with the same greedy enthusiasm. Griffin repeats that he needs Kemp’s help, and observes that Kemp has stayed the same over the years; he remains “cool and methodical.” When Kemp asks more questions, Griffin again demands to be left to smoke in peace. Griffin says he needs to sleep, but then immediately declares that he can’t sleep because then Marvel will get away. Griffin says he has “a particular objection to being caught by my fellow-men,” and then worries that he has put ideas into Kemp’s head.