The Invisible Man · Chapter
The Plan That Failed explained
Griffin reveals his plan to establish a reign of terror by dominating a town like Burdock, but Kemp, having secretly alerted the police, attempts to trap him.
What happens
Griffin reveals his plan to establish a reign of terror by dominating a town like Burdock, but Kemp, having secretly alerted the police, attempts to trap him. A struggle ensues, Griffin escapes, and Colonel Adye is injured in the chaos.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Corruption
Griffin's plan to dominate a town through murder and fear exemplifies the corrupting influence of absolute power.
Madness and Descent
Griffin's grandiose scheme and paranoid reactions reveal his psychological unraveling.
Isolation and Alienation
Griffin's insistence on acting alone and his inability to trust others lead to his downfall.
Characters to notice
- Griffin
Outlines his plan for a reign of terror and confronts Kemp's betrayal.
- Dr. Kemp
Feigns agreement with Griffin while secretly plotting his capture; attempts to lock him in the study.
- Colonel Adye
Arrives with police in response to Kemp's letter; is attacked and thrown down the stairs by Griffin.
Key passages
“And that invisible man, Kemp, must now establish a reign of terror. Yes; no doubt it's startling. But I mean it. A reign of terror. He must take some town like your Burdock and terrify and dominate it.”
Griffin declares that he must create a regime of fear by seizing control of a town like Burdock through intimidation and violence.
Griffin's explicit statement of his plan for a reign of terror.
“Kemp made three swift steps to the door, and forthwith the invisible man—his legs had vanished—sprang to his feet with a shout. Kemp flung the door open.”
Kemp quickly moved to the door and opened it, while Griffin, whose legs had already become invisible, leaped up and shouted.
The moment Kemp attempts to trap Griffin by opening the door.