Adam Brunet

ENG4U

Ms. Lavallee

November 16 2011

Reader Response Journal 1

            In H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine, few dystopian elements are present, where it only starts to occur in the late chapters I read. The first four chapters introduce the reader to two different settings- modern day and the extremely distant future. The transition between the two times was simple to follow and was explained thoroughly, in which set an understandable introduction. Upon reading chapter one, Wells introduces the modern day setting where a group of men are discussing the idea of time travel. Among these men, the main character is introduced, being the “Time Traveller.” H.G. Wells began the novel by introducing the main character, where I understood the setting and the plot as it progressed. It seems as though Wells is direct in his writing, where he doesn’t attempt to confuse the reader. The environment creates a soothing, yet eerie feeling where Wells states, “the fire burned brightly, and the soft radiance of the incandescent lights... there was that luxurious atmosphere when thought runs gracefully free of the trammels of precision...” (Wells 3) The setting in the beginning is based on the present day, where the Time Traveller’s attempt to convince the group that time travel is possible. It’s creates a calm atmosphere, but also creates anxiousness of hearing of such a theory. Reaching the end of chapter two, the setting changes to the future, in which the Traveller claims he had travelled. The point of view changes from one of the spectators to the Time Traveller, upon stating his experience. The transition between the relaxing home and foreign future occurs. The society in this futuristic period is extremely evolved from modern society known as the Eloi, humanoid creatures that have abnormal features unlike humans. Upon the Time Traveller’s confrontation with these creatures, dystopia begins to appear. At the end of chapter four, the Traveller reflects on his experience and idea on how evolution affected the future. It’s as if though evolution was reversed where this future possesses less technology than the present time. On page thirty-two H.G Wells’ character states, “it seemed to me that I had happened upon humanity upon the wane... began to realize an odd consequence of the social effort in which we are presently engaged... come to think of it, it is a logical consequence enough.” (32) Wells arises questioning of the idea of a dystopian society, which is believed to be tied with evolution. Rather than science and technology benefitting the world, it produces corruption that destroys society. Wells’ character the Time Traveller discusses his assumption on what he expected and the idea that a dystopian society would be established in the future. Wells contradicts this belief where a dystopian society is not based on technological advancement, but instead based on natural living like the Eloi creatures. By the end of chapter 4, I began to identify a few dystopian elements specifically found in the Time Traveller’s response, being the dangers of science and technology. Wells must have decided to include this disbelief instead of creating a dystopian society to reflect his opinion on society and technology’s impact. As of now, it’s difficult to really see a lot of elements compared to other novels, but Wells has begun to show dystopian elements as the chapters continue.