H. G. Wells' The War of the Worlds is heralded for its groundbreaking narrative and imaginative depiction of alien invasion, demonstrating Wells' innovative foresight. Reviews praise its suspense and social commentary. Criticisms note a preference for more complex character development. Overall, it's a seminal work in science fiction, admired for its lasting influence.

Fans of speculative fiction and classic science fiction will delight in The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. Ideal for readers who enjoyed Jules Verne's Journey to the Center of the Earth or Mary Shelley's Frankenstein, this novel offers thrilling adventures, social commentary, and pioneering insights into extraterrestrial life.

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells is a science fiction novel recounting a Martian invasion near London, as described by an unnamed narrator who witnesses the overwhelming technological superiority and destructive power of the Martians. Human civilization collapses, but the Martians are eventually wiped out by terrestrial bacteria. The story is notable for its depiction of mass panic and the profound impact of an extraterrestrial threat.

Mysterious / Dark / Suspenseful / Adventurous / Unnerving

- When The War of the Worlds was first serialized in 1897, it helped popularize the genre of science fiction and has influenced numerous adaptations across various media.
- H.G. Wells's narrative is notable for its use of scientific ideas of its time, such as life on Mars, inspired by the telescopic observations of Giovanni Schiaparelli and Percival Lowell who theorized about the "canals" on Mars.
- Orson Welles's 1938 radio adaptation of The War of the Worlds famously caused public panic among listeners who thought the alien invasion was a real news broadcast.

**The Narrator**  
A young writer of speculative philosophy with a solid grasp of science, who experiences the Martian invasion firsthand from his vantage point near the initial landing site.

**The Narrator’s Brother**  
The younger brother of the narrator, a medical student in London who provides a perspective on the invasion from the city and engages in a daring escape.

**The Curate**  
A clergyman from near Weybridge who becomes emotionally overwhelmed during the invasion and ends up trapped with the narrator in a damaged house.

**The Artilleryman**  
A soldier encountered by the narrator twice, who goes from struggling after his regiment's collapse to envisioning ambitious plans for humanity's survival.

**The Narrator’s Wife**  
A minor character whose safety and well-being drive the narrator's actions, providing motivation throughout the story despite her minimal presence.

**The Elphinstones**  
Two women who the narrator's brother assists during the evacuation from London, characterized by their contrasting responses to the chaos; Mrs. Elphinstone is incapacitated by fear, while Miss Elphinstone bravely takes charge.

**Ogilvy**  
An astronomer and the first character to observe unusual activities on Mars, initiating the chain of events leading to the Martian invasion.

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Before You Read

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Before You Read The War of the Worlds | SuperSummary

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The War of the Worlds Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Book 1: “The Coming of the Martians”

Book 1, Chapters 1-8

The War of the Worlds Book 1, Chapters 1-8 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 9-13

The War of the Worlds Book 1, Chapters 9-13 Summary & Analysis

Book 1, Chapters 14-17

The War of the Worlds Book 1, Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

Book 2: “The Earth Under the Martians”

Book 2, Chapters 1-5

The War of the Worlds Book 2, Chapters 1-5 Summary & Analysis

Book 2, Chapters 6-10

The War of the Worlds Book 2, Chapters 6-10 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The War of the Worlds Character Analysis

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Themes

The War of the Worlds Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The War of the Worlds Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The War of the Worlds Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The War of the Worlds Essay Topics

The War of the Worlds

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