War of the worlds plot summary

What is the time frame in which 'The War of the Worlds' was written?

The novel was written between 1895 and 1897.

In what publication was 'The War of the Worlds' first serialised?

Pearson’s Magazine.

What are the two main sections of the book called?

Book One: The Coming of the Martians and Book Two: The Earth Under the Martians.

Who narrates the story of 'The War of the Worlds'?

An unnamed male narrator.

How long after the Martian invasion is the story narrated?

Around six years.

What event marks the visible arrival of the Martians?

A large object crashing onto Horsell Common.

What does the narrator do after witnessing the crash of the mysterious object?

He flees to his home to inform his wife.

Who does the narrator meet during his terrifying experiences?

An artilleryman and a curate.

What is London’s initial response to the Martian invasion?

London is slow to respond and is mainly unaware of the invasion.

What deadly weapon do the Martians use against humans?

Poisonous 'Black Smoke'. heatray

Where do the narrator and the curate take shelter towards the end of the story?

In the ruins of a demolished house.

What does the artilleryman propose to do for survivors?

To build an underground community.

How do the Martians ultimately meet their end?

They are slain by bacteria against which their systems were unprepared.

What significant character does the narrator reconnect with at the end of the novel?

His wife.

What major theme is explored through the narrator's reflections at the end of the novel?

Preparedness for potential future invasions.

What unusual celestial event does Ogilvy witness at the beginning of the story?

A green streak of light believed to be a meteorite.

What physical reaction do the Martians exhibit when they first emerge from the cylinder?

They have tentacles and eyes like luminous discs.

What is the narrator's immediate reaction to the Martians' arrival?

He runs off, feeling true fear.

In Chapter Six, what task do Henderson and Ogilvy undertake before they die?

Sending messages to newspapers that military support is required.

What does the narrator find upon returning to his home after fleeing the Martian attacks?

He fears how his wife will react to his news.

How do the people of the area react to the Martian threat initially?

They underestimate the danger and continue with their lives.

In Chapter Eleven, who does the narrator meet while observing the destruction?

The artilleryman.

What condition affects the curate's mental state as they are isolated together?

He becomes depressed and weeps for hours.

What ultimately happens to the curate?

He is killed by Martians after an altercation with the narrator.

What does the narrator see when he ventures outside after being isolated?

The land is empty of Martians but filled with a strange red plant.

What does the narrator witness that indicates the Martians have left?

The growth of a strange red plant in the absence of Martians.

In Chapter Eight, what does the narrator find upon returning to London?

Carnage, dead bodies, and destroyed buildings.

What are the Martians killed by, according to the narrator?

Putrefactive and disease bacteria.

What realization does the narrator come to about humanity at the end of the novel?

That humans have survived and can rebuild.

What does the narrator wish humanity to be prepared for?

Future invasions like that of the Martians.

How does the narrator describe the Martian fighting machines?

As a sort of mechanical spider with three long tentacles.

What significant action does the narrator take in response to the Martians' advancements?

He attempts to escape and warns others about the impending danger.

What transportation does the narrator use to help his wife escape to safety?

A horse and cart.

What does the narrator witness while traveling towards London that showcases the panic around him?

People refusing to take the Martian threat seriously.

What is foreshadowed about the outcome of the Martian invasion throughout the novel?

That humans will ultimately defeat the Martians.

What does the narrator find out about his wife at the end of the novel?

That she has survived the invasion.

What final thoughts does the narrator have about the Martians' motivations?

He wonders whether they came to exterminate the human race.

How does the story's climax evolve during the Martian invasion?

Chaos ensues as the Martians wreak havoc and humans struggle to respond.

What does the narrator reflect on regarding the nature of civilizations after the Martian invasion?

He contemplates about Earth's future safety against extraterrestrial threats.

How does the narrator feel about the environment when he finally returns to London?

He is shocked to see the extent of the destruction.

At the end of the story, what does the narrator hope for humanity?

That they will learn from their experiences and be ready for future threats.

What role does the artilleryman play in the story?

He represents a voice of despair and survival among the characters.

How does the psychological atmosphere change for the narrator throughout the story?

From fear and confusion to a sense of hope and resolution.

How does the encounter with the curate affect the narrator's journey?

The relationship deteriorates under stress, impacting their survival.

What theme about human resilience and adaptability is explored in the novel?

Humans adapt to catastrophic events while seeking hope in times of despair.

In the end, what message is conveyed about social unity during crises?

The importance of coming together for survival against common threats.