"The Time Machine"

Paper Summary:

The paper describes the time traveler's impressions of the two races of humanity, the Eloi and the Morlocks in H.G. Well's novel "The Time Machine". The paper shows how these supposed descendants of man fall extremely short of the ideal of perfection we consider when we think of the future. The paper posits that although we see perfection as something that cannot be attained, surrendering to that premise only leads to further destruction.

From the Paper:

"Perfection is an illusion. However, trying to achieve it keeps the ball rolling. No matter what one does, trying to perfect the process, to make things more efficient, is the motor that keeps one motivated to improve. As long as this motor is running and everything is in balance all is well, but it is interesting to consider what would happen if this goal is achieved but is no longer interesting. The novel The Time Machine by H. G. Wells discusses this topic. The Time Traveller comes from his time, the beginning of the twentieth century, where the world is far from being perfect, to the year 802,701 to see a world that seemingly has achieved perfection. But when looking behind the facade, it looks very different. The Eloi seem to have perfected their world. There are no diseases, hunger, or war. They appear to be happy and content. However, upon closer inspection, they cannot concentrate, and they are dumb and childish. The Morlock's seem to be even more detestable than the Eloi. These two races of humanity - supposedly descendants of man fall extremely short of the ideal of perfection we consider when we think of the future."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Bernard Bergonzi, "The Time Machine: An Ironic Myth." GALE Resource Database. <http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com> Site Accessed April 04, 2008.
• Kathryn Hume, "Eat or Be Eaten: H. G. Wells's The Time Machine." GALE Resource Database. <http://www.infotrac.galegroup.com> Site Accessed April 04, 2008.
• Wells, H.G. The Time Machine. Electronic Text Center, University of Virginia Library. <http://etext.virginia.edu> Site Accessed April 04, 2008.

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