The Invisible Man · Chapter
In the Jolly Cricketers explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Marvel bursts into the Jolly Cricketers inn, terrified and claiming the Invisible Man is after him. The patrons, including a policeman, a cabman, a barman, and an American with a black beard, barricade the doors. The Invisible Man attacks, smashes a window, and forces his way into the bar parlour, dragging Marvel into the kitchen. A chaotic struggle ensues, with the men trying to capture the unseen assailant. The Invisible Man escapes into the yard, and the American fires five revolver shots into the darkness, but no body is found.
Themes in this chapter
Fear of the Unknown
The patrons' panic and frantic attempts to barricade themselves against an invisible, unseen attacker exemplify the terror of an unknown threat.
Isolation and Alienation
Marvel's desperate isolation as he flees from the Invisible Man, and the collective but ineffective resistance of the inn's occupants, underscore the theme of alienation.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Marvel
Bursts into the inn in terror, clutching books, begging for help and hiding from the Invisible Man.
- Griffin
The Invisible Man pursues Marvel, smashes the inn window, forces his way inside, and struggles with the patrons before escaping into the yard.
- Colonel Adye
The policeman on duty at the inn; he tries to manage the situation and is hit in the face during the struggle.
Key passages
“Coming! He's coming. The 'visible man! After me! For gawd's sake! 'Elp! 'Elp! 'Elp!”
Marvel shouts that the Invisible Man is pursuing him and begs for help.
Marvel's terrified plea as he bursts into the inn.
“I guess it's about time we saw him.”
The American suggests they should confront the Invisible Man.
The bearded American's calm but confrontational response to the crisis.
“Five cartridges. That's the best of all. Four aces and a joker. Get a lantern, someone, and come and feel about for his body.”
After firing five shots into the yard, the American boasts and asks for a lantern to search for the Invisible Man's body.
The American's confident but ultimately futile attempt to stop the Invisible Man.