The Invisible Man · Chapter
Mr. Cuss Interviews the Stranger explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Cuss, the village doctor, driven by curiosity, invents an excuse to interview the mysterious stranger at the inn. During the conversation, the stranger reveals a story about a burning prescription, and when he extends his arm to demonstrate, Cuss sees that the sleeve is empty. The stranger then pinches Cuss's nose with an invisible hand, sending the terrified doctor fleeing to the vicar, Mr. Bunting, to recount the bizarre encounter.
Themes in this chapter
Fear of the Unknown
The villagers' suspicion and fear of the stranger, culminating in Cuss's terrifying encounter with the invisible arm, highlight the theme of fear of the unknown.
Isolation and Alienation
The stranger's reclusive behavior, avoidance of daylight, and lack of communication with the village underscore his isolation and alienation from the community.
Madness and Descent
The stranger's erratic temper, fits of violence, and habit of talking to himself suggest a descent into madness, which is further implied by his 'damnable long research.'
Characters to notice
- Mr. Cuss
The village doctor, devoured by curiosity, interviews the stranger and is horrified to discover his arm is invisible.
- Griffin
The stranger, who reveals his invisible arm to Cuss and pinches his nose, causing panic.
- Mrs. Hall
The innkeeper's wife, who listens to the interview from outside and observes Cuss's frightened exit.
- Mr. Bunting
The vicar, to whom Cuss recounts the story of the invisible arm.
- Mr. Teddy Henfrey
Mentioned as being scared by the stranger's skull-like head at night, and as the originator of the theory that the stranger is a criminal.
- Fearenside
Mentioned as the source of the 'piebald' view of the stranger's appearance.
Key passages
“He seemed under a chronic irritation of the greatest intensity.”
He appeared to be constantly and intensely annoyed.
Describes the stranger's persistent irritable demeanor.
“His habit of talking to himself in a low voice grew steadily upon him, but though Mrs. Hall listened conscientiously she could make neither head nor tail of what she heard.”
He increasingly muttered to himself, but Mrs. Hall could not understand any of it despite her careful listening.
Illustrates the stranger's growing isolation and incomprehensibility.
“Something—exactly like a finger and thumb it felt—nipped my nose.”
Something that felt precisely like a finger and thumb pinched my nose.
Cuss's description of the invisible hand's action during the interview.