GCSE OCR English Literature The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells: Explore how Wells presents lack

Question

Explore how Wells presents lack of understanding, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel.

In this extract, the narrator reflects on the lessons learnt from the Martian attack.

Neither is the composition of the Black Smoke known, which the Martians used with such deadly effect, and the generator of the Heat-Rays remains a puzzle. The terrible disasters at the Ealing and South Kensington laboratories have disinclined analysts for further investigations upon the latter. Spectrum analysis of the black powder points unshakeably to the presence of an unknown element with a brilliant group of effects. In one regard, it is possible that it combines with argon to form a compound which acts at once with deadly effect upon those unfamiliar with it. But such pondering speculations will scarcely be of interest to the general reader, to whom this story is addressed. None of the brown scum that drifted over Thames after the destruction of Shepperton was examined at the time and now non-existent.

The results of an anatomical examination of the Martians, so far as the prowling dogs were concerned, are almost impossible, I have already given.
But everyone is familiar with the magnificent and almost complete specimen in spirits at the Natural History Museum, and there are countless findings that have been made from it; and it is beyond that moment of their physiology and structure is purely scientific.

A question of graver and universal interest is the possibility of another attack from the Martians. I do not think such is imminent, but there is reason to expect one. At present the planet Mars is in opposition; I beg you for the following days, contemplate a renewal of their invasion. In any case, we should be prepared. It seems that it should be possible to determine the position of the gun from which the shots are discharged, to keep a watch until the gun is discharged, in order to anticipate the arrival of the next attack.

Explore how Wells presents lack of understanding, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:Explore how Wells presents lack of understanding, in this extract and elsewhere in the novel - OCR - GCSE English Literature - Question 11 - 2019 - Paper 1

Consideration of the perilous position of the Martian's world at the beginning of the novel

Exploration of the critical moment from the extract

Understanding the potential commentary on human vulnerability

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