# Chapter VI: The Descent into the Underworld explained — The Time Machine

> Chapter companion for The Time Machine by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

The Time Traveller recounts his terrifying descent into the Morlocks' domain. He struggles with fear and physical exhaustion as he climbs down a deep shaft, narrowly escaping the clutches of the Morlocks. After a brief rest, he explores a vast underground cavern filled with machinery and discovers that the Morlocks are carnivorous. He reflects on his lack of preparation for this journey, having assumed the future would be more advanced.

## Themes in this chapter

### Fear and the Unknown

The Time Traveller's terror in the dark, his dread of the Morlocks, and his struggle against the unknown depths of the underworld.

### Scientific Progress and Its Consequences

The advanced machinery of the Morlocks contrasts with the Time Traveller's lack of preparation, highlighting the unforeseen outcomes of technological evolution.

### Humanity and Evolution

The Morlocks and Eloi represent divergent evolutionary paths, with the Morlocks as a degenerate, subterranean species.

## Character check-ins

### The Time Traveller

Narrates his harrowing descent into the Morlock underworld, experiencing fear, physical pain, and a sense of isolation.

### Weena

Accompanies the Time Traveller to the well, shows distress at his descent, and later kisses his hands and ears after his escape.

### The Morlocks

Described as pale, chinless, with large lidless eyes; they inhabit the underworld, are carnivorous, and attempt to capture the Time Traveller.

### The Eloi

Mentioned as the surface-dwellers who fear the Morlocks; their presence reassures the Time Traveller during a sleepless night.

## Key lines

> I had come without arms, without medicine, without anything to smoke⁠—at times I missed tobacco frightfully⁠—even without enough matches.

The Time Traveller regrets not bringing weapons, medicine, tobacco, or even enough matches for his journey.

_Highlights his lack of preparation and the irony of his assumption about future advancement._

> I felt assured that the Time Machine was only to be recovered by boldly penetrating these underground mysteries. Yet I could not face the mystery.

He knows he must explore the underworld to retrieve his Time Machine, but he is too afraid to do so.

_Illustrates his internal conflict between duty and fear._

> The Morlocks at any rate were carnivorous! Even at the time, I remember wondering what large animal could have survived to furnish the red joint I saw.

The Time Traveller realizes the Morlocks eat meat and wonders what large creatures still exist to provide such food.

_Reveals the shocking discovery of the Morlocks' diet and the implications for the future ecosystem._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_time_machine_se/chapters/vi
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_time_machine_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_time_machine_se/chapters