# In Drury Lane explained — The Invisible Man

> Chapter companion for The Invisible Man by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

Griffin recounts to Kemp the difficulties of being invisible in London, including the need for shelter, food, and clothing. He describes his journey to a theatrical costumier's shop in Drury Lane to procure a disguise, and his tense, stealthy interactions with the shopkeeper.

## Themes in this chapter

### Invisibility and Identity

Griffin's invisibility forces him to seek a disguise to appear credible, highlighting the loss of his original identity.

### Isolation and Alienation

Griffin's condition makes him a 'wrapped-up mystery' and a 'caricature of a man,' emphasizing his separation from society.

### Madness and Descent

Griffin's rage and frustration escalate, with threats of violence and a sense of losing control, indicating his descent into madness.

## Character check-ins

### Griffin

Narrates his struggles with invisibility in London and his plan to obtain a disguise from a theatrical shop.

### Dr. Kemp

Listens to Griffin's account and asks questions about his journey to Iping and the recent rampage.

## Key lines

> I thought it over, Kemp, the more I realised what a helpless absurdity an invisible man was—in a cold and dirty climate and a crowded civilised city.

Griffin reflects on how impractical invisibility is in a cold, dirty, and crowded city like London.

_Griffin expresses regret and disillusionment with his experiment._

> I had no shelter—no covering—to get clothing was to forego all my advantage, to make myself a strange and terrible thing.

Griffin explains that without shelter or clothing, he would lose the benefits of invisibility and appear monstrous.

_Highlights the practical disadvantages of invisibility._

> I went into the slums towards Great Portland Street, and found myself at the end of the street in which I had lodged.

Griffin wandered into the slums near Great Portland Street, ending up at the street where he used to live.

_Describes his aimless movement through London._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_invisible_man_se/chapters/xxiii-in-drury-lane
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_invisible_man_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_invisible_man_se/chapters