# Book II: The Earth Under the Martians explained — The War of the Worlds

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

## What happens

The Martians have established dominance over Earth, and the narrator describes the new world order under their rule. Humanity is subjugated, and the landscape is transformed by Martian machinery and red weed. The narrator reflects on the collapse of civilization and the instinct for survival.

## Themes in this chapter

### Imperialism and Colonialism

The Martians' subjugation of Earth parallels colonial conquests, with humans experiencing the terror of being colonized.

### Survival and Instinct

The narrator's focus on basic survival instincts highlights the primal response to existential threat.

## Character check-ins

### The Narrator

The narrator observes the Martian occupation and reflects on the fall of human society.

### The Martians

The Martians are now the dominant species, reshaping Earth to their needs.

## Key lines

> The Martians have established dominance over Earth

The Martians now rule the planet, having defeated human resistance.

_Sets the stage for the new world order under Martian control._

> the landscape is transformed by Martian machinery and red weed

The environment is altered by Martian technology and the invasive red vegetation.

_Illustrates the physical changes wrought by the invaders._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_war_of_the_worlds_se/chapters/book-ii-the-earth-under-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