The Invisible Man written by H.G. Wells - Essay Example

Kemp’s Promise: An Ethical Struggle If a man was made of glass he would still be visible. H. G. Wells In H. G. Wells’s The Invisible Man, a number of moral aspects cause the reader to wonder why certain characters act the way they do. Here, an attempt is made to determine why Doctor Kemp first made a promise to Griffin, and then broke it. First, a brief summary will be made of the part of Wells’s book that concerns Doctor Kemp; his motives will be discussed, and a summarizing conclusion will close the argument.

When Griffin, the invisible man, escapes from Iping, his flight brings him to the house of an old university friend. It is quite a coincidence, which he decides to take advantage of. After his initial surprise, Kemp settles, gives Griffin his word he will not betray him, and gives him food and clothes. His better judgment, however, makes him write a letter to Colonel Adye, in Port Burdock. On the next day, listens in complete astonishment to Griffin’s story. It is a long one: how Griffin made himself invisible, after experimenting on a cat, and the trouble he got himself into as a result.

Towards the end of Griffin’s long recount, the reader senses that Kemp gives dry answers. Doubt has entered his mind about his old college acquaintance’s sanity. He agrees cursorily with Griffin’s suggestions, but he is somehow unconvinced and not as reassuring as the previous day. The doctor shows his uncertainty to Griffin: “It is killing we must do,” repeated Kemp. “I’m listening to your plan, Griffin, but I’m not agreeing, mind. Why killing?” “Not wanton killing, but a judicious slaying.

” (Wells 1897)Kemp is now certain that Griffin is insane. Trying to lock Griffin up is unsuccessful, and Kemp is beaten up just as Colonel Adye, the chief of police, arrives to see him being tossed about as if by some invisible force. Why did Kemp betray his friend, and break his promise that he would not let him down? In the days that this book was written, an Englishman’s word was his bond. Personal morals and standards were high, and nothing short of death would get a man to betray a friend to whom he had given his word.

This betrayal of Kemp’s must be seen in the context of this ethic. In normal circumstances nothing would have persuaded Kemp to inform on Griffin. The doctor, however, had deliberated over the situation for a long time, smoking three cigars. The situation was anything but normal, and Griffin was not sounding very rational to him. His morning recount of killing animals, robbing stores, and taking a man’s gold was enough for Kemp to be glad he had sent to note off to Adye. Griffin was a danger to himself and others.

He was talking of going off to Algiers, where people did not know to look out for a swaddled man. His desire was to start a reign of terror. This was enough for Kemp. The doctor’s reasons are all in his own words in the book: “He is mad,” said Kemp; “inhuman. He is pure selfishness. He thinks of nothing but his own advantage, his own safety. I have listened to such a story this morning of brutal self-seeking! He has wounded men. He will kill them unless we can prevent him. He will create a panic.

Nothing can stop him. He is going out now -- furious!” (Wells 1897) Kemp was absolutely right to do what he did. The consequences of keeping his word would have been much worse than if he did not. He was thinking on a broader sense than merely respecting a friend: the safety of other people was at stake. Mr. Wicksteed met his death at the hands of Griffin shortly after his escape from Kemp’s house. This vindicated Kemp, and even if there were good reasons for Griffin to kill the old man, “The only undeniable facts.

are the discovery of Wicksteed’s body, done to death, and of the blood-stained iron rod flung among the nettles.” (Wells 1897) Griffin was doubly dangerous because he was invisible and could do harm unseen. Kemp is justified in his attempts to galvanize the town against Griffin, confirmed when he receives a note from him: “But I have had food in spite of you, I have slept in spite of you, and the game is only beginning. The game is only beginning. There is nothing for it, but to start the Terror.

” Kemp was right: Griffin was out of his mind, no doubt unhinged when he conducted experiments on himself. These two points, taken from the text, illustrate the correctness of Kemp’s decision. I feel he was the hero of the story, attempting to defuse the Invisible Man and restore security to his town and the people he knew and lived with. After all, Griffin was just a blow-in from the past.Sources cited:Wells, H. G. (1897) The Invisible Man Signet Classics 2002