Question

Answer the following question in 120 – 150 words:  

“Misdirected and self-serving ambition essentially remains an exercise in futility.’ Describe Griffin's character in the light of the above statement. 

Answer 1

Griffin is an albino scientist who changes his field of study from chemistry to optics. He goes on to find a way for human beings to become invisible. In the process, however, he loses many basic conveniences of a normal person, including food and clothing. Too much ambition makes him blind to the obvious disadvantages of invisibility and thus the author says, ‘Misdirected and self serving ambition essentially remains an exercise in futility’. Griffin becomes increasingly isolated and selfish. He is unwilling to share credit with anyone. He robs his own father and does not express a single sign of remorse when his father kills himself because of him. The cruel streak in him makes him test his theory on a cat and then turn it out of his room when it is hungry. He burns down the house where he had been living just to keep his secret safe. He tries to kill an old shopkeeper while stealing from his shop. He is very short-tempered and self-centred and does not hesitate in hurting others. He wants to establish a reign of terror with the help of Dr. Kemp. In the end, his selfish desires lead him to his death.