Beyond the Superpower: Reading The Invisible Man

As a freshman diving into classic literature for the first time, I didn’t expect The Invisible Man by H.G. Wells to grip me so tightly. What I initially thought was just a sci-fi story about a man gaining invisibility turned out to be a sharp exploration of human nature and power. The novel follows Griffin, a brilliant scientist who invents a formula to make himself invisible. At first, his discovery feels like a superpower—he can move freely without being seen, escape trouble, and satisfy his curiosity. But as the story unfolds, invisibility becomes a curse. Griffin loses his sense of identity, struggles with the constant fear of being discovered, and gradually descends into cruelty and madness. He uses his invisibility to steal, harm others, and declare himself a “terror to mankind.” What strikes me most is how Wells shows that power without responsibility can corrupt even the smartest person. Griffin starts as a driven researcher, but his isolation and obsession turn him into a villain. What I love about this book is its timeless message. Even though it was written over a century ago, its themes of alienation, the abuse of power, and the importance of human connection still resonate today. As a college student learning to balance ambition with morality, I found Griffin’s tragic fate a powerful warning—true progress doesn’t come from isolating ourselves, but from using our abilities to help others, not harm them. In short, The Invisible Man is more than a thrilling sci-fi adventure. It’s a thought-provoking classic that forces readers to ask: What would I do if I had the power to be invisible? It’s a must-read for anyone who loves stories that entertain and make you think deeply.