STUDY QUESTIONS

1. The Time Machine has a particular narrative structure, in which a narrator creates a frame for the Time TravellerÂ’s story. What effect does this structure have on the content of the story? Does it affect the way the readers consider the Themes of the novel?

2. Describe the Time TravellerÂ’s role as a scientist exploring the future. Does he have any obligations or codes of conduct he should follow? Do you think he handles his situation well?

3. How would you describe the narratorÂ’s relationship to the Time Traveller? Does this affect the way you interpret the story, or the novelÂ’s themes?

4. Describe what the Time Traveller finds in the year 30,000,000. Does this fit with WellsÂ’s beliefs as a Darwinist?

5. Explain the relationship between the Eloi and the Morlocks, and the main characteristics of each. What did you think of each species? Did you sympathize with either?

6. The Eloi are the descendents of the wealthy, upper-classes in WellsÂ’s time, and thus, in many ways, the cause of the mistreatment of the laborers. Yet, in the future, the Time Traveller feels the most connection to Weena and the other Eloi. Does this affect the way you interpret WellsÂ’s critique of British class structure? Why or why not?

7. WellsÂ’s novels, including The Time Machine, are considered to be among the very first examples of science fiction writing. How does this novel compare with science fiction novels of today? What can you find that is directly a result of WellsÂ’s writing? What is different?

8. WellsÂ’s description of the time machine, time traveling, and the future are all very vivid, and somewhat cinematic. How does this novel compare to science fiction films that you have seen? Does the medium affect the way you think about the message underneath?

9. In the epilogue, the narrator offers his interpretation of the Time TravellerÂ’s journey, sharing his philosophy of how to live life. What are his suggestions and thoughts? Do you agree with him?

10. Do you see any Themes similar to other works by Wells? What about to his later novels? How does Wells change as a writer?

11. Where do you think the Time Traveller fits in the social hierarchy? Do you think this affects his observations of the future?

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