# Book I: The Coming of the Martians explained — The War of the Worlds

> Chapter companion for The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells.

## What happens

The chapter introduces the Martian invasion of Earth, beginning with strange explosions on Mars and the landing of the first cylinder on Horsell Common. The narrator witnesses the emergence of the Martians and the devastating use of the Heat-Ray, leading to chaos and the collapse of human social order.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imperialism and Colonialism

The Martian invasion is depicted as a colonial conquest, with the Martians treating Earth as a resource to be exploited, mirroring European colonial practices.

### Technology and Destruction

The Martians' advanced technology, particularly the Heat-Ray, demonstrates the terrifying power of technology when used for destruction.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The narrator observes the landing of the first cylinder and the Martian attack, documenting the events firsthand.

### The Martians

The Martians emerge from the cylinder and use the Heat-Ray to massacre the crowd on Horsell Common.

### Ogilvy

Ogilvy is among the first to investigate the cylinder and is killed by the Martians.

### Henderson

Henderson is mentioned as a witness to the Martian arrival and is killed during the attack.

### Stent

Stent is present at the cylinder site and is killed by the Heat-Ray.

## Key lines

> The chances of anything coming from Mars are a million to one, he said.

Ogilvy dismisses the possibility of life on Mars as extremely unlikely.

_This quote highlights the initial disbelief and scientific skepticism that precedes the invasion._

> A big greyish rounded bulk, the size, perhaps, of a bear, was rising slowly and painfully out of the cylinder.

A large, bear-sized grey creature emerges from the cylinder, struggling to move.

_This description introduces the physical appearance of the Martians, emphasizing their alien and grotesque nature._

> It was as if some invisible jet had struck them. The flash was so bright that I was dazzled.

An invisible beam of intense heat strikes the crowd, causing instant death and blinding the narrator.

_This depicts the first use of the Heat-Ray, showcasing the Martians' overwhelming technological superiority._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_war_of_the_worlds_se/chapters/book-i-the-coming-of-the-martians
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_war_of_the_worlds_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_war_of_the_worlds_se/chapters