The Invisible Man · Chapter
At Port Stowe explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Marvel sits nervously outside an inn in Port Stowe, carrying stolen books and money. He is approached by a mariner who tells him the newspaper story about the Invisible Man's rampage in Iping. Marvel tries to dismiss it as a hoax but is visibly agitated, and the invisible Griffin forces him to retract his claims. The chapter also reveals that money has been mysteriously disappearing from local businesses, ending up in Marvel's pockets.
Themes in this chapter
Fear of the Unknown
The mariner's fearful discussion of the Invisible Man's potential for crime and chaos reflects society's anxiety about unseen threats.
Class and Social Order
Marvel's shabby appearance contrasted with his hidden wealth highlights the disruption of social norms and the power of invisible forces.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Marvel
Sits nervously outside an inn in Port Stowe with stolen books and money, trying to evade suspicion while being controlled by the invisible Griffin.
- Griffin
Remains invisible throughout the chapter, coercing Marvel into denying the truth about his existence and forcing him to move on.
Key passages
“There's a story about an invisible man, for instance.”
The mariner tells Marvel about the newspaper report of an invisible man.
The mariner introduces the news of the Invisible Man to Marvel, testing his reaction.
“Hoax all the same. I know the chap that started the lie. There ain't no invisible man whatsoever—blimey.”
Marvel denies the story, claiming it is a hoax and that he knows who started the rumor.
Marvel is forced by Griffin to retract the truth, showing his fear and subservience.
“The story of the flying money was true. And all about that neighbourhood... money had been quietly and dexterously making off that day in handfuls and rouleaux.”
Money has been mysteriously disappearing from local businesses, floating away unseen.
The narrative reveals that Griffin is using his invisibility to steal money, which ends up in Marvel's pockets.