This is a very short book (91 pages) which I read in one sitting, and which is perfect for a lazy afternoon (which was when I read it). The book tells the story of a man, who is always referred to simply as The Time Traveler, who invents a time machine, which takes him to the year 802,701. There, he finds that the human race has evolved into two species’ – the Eloi and the Morlocks. On the face of it, the Eloi seem to live a wonderful existence, filled with pleasure. However, the time traveler discovers that, as they want for nothing, and therefore have nothing to strive for, the Eloi have also seemingly lost the ability for intelligent thought. (Without goals, there is no need for strategy and forethought). However, there is a darker reality lurking underneath the surface (both literally and figuratively), in the Morlocks – a species who only come out in the darkness, and who inspire fear in the Eloi.
To say more would be to give away too much of the plot, although it is at this point that the story really began to take root. Suffice to say that I ended up feeling more sympathy with the Morlocks than the Eloi; I have no idea if that is what the author originally intended.
However, I do believe that this book may have revealed Well’s fears for the future; if the upper classes never have to do anything for themselves, they will not be able to look after themselves, and therefore must rely on the lower classes to provide everything they need.But in return, they must give something back to the providers…as demonstrated in quite a clear fashion in this story.
It’s hard to describe how I felt about this book. It is of course a classic, and with good reason. Yet, I found it very difficult to engage with any of the characters. However, I did enjoy it and would definitely recommend it to others. It is one that I have kept, and will almost certainly reread at some point in the future, as I think it could well be a book that becomes more enjoyable with each reading. It definitely made me consider reading more books by the same author. It’s certainly clear that Wells had a vivid and intelligent imagination.
(For more information about the author, please click here.)
Bill Hicks: Relentless (1992)
Posted in Film Reviews, tagged Bill Hicks, social commentary, stand up comedy on December 7, 2008 | Leave a Comment »
Bill Hicks passed away in 1994, at the age of 32, and his death was a sad loss. This show was filmed in Montreal in 1991, and it’s amazing watching it 17 years later, how relevant it still is.
The first thing to note is that as a comedian, Bill Hicks is very very funny. The second thing to note is that he was more than just a comedian. He was a social commentator, who was never afraid to stand up for what he believed in.
I have probably said this in one of my earlier reviews (specifically of Bill Hicks’ ‘One Night Stand’ show), but I still want to mention that Bill always gave me the impression that he was disappointed in humanity, and the lack of humanity that people sometimes show to their fellow men. Ignorance and stupidity angered him. Banality and mediocrity angered him. And he was a very intelligent man who was able to articulate exactly what was wrong with so many factions of society. Yes, there is crudity in his act, and it may not be for the easily offended. But I would recommend anybody to check out Bill Hicks. There’s more than just a load of belly laughs here – there is plenty to think about too.
Among his targets on this show are the advertising industry, the Iraq War (the first one), George Bush (the first one) and of course, the anti-smoking fraternity.
Year of release: 1992
Director: Chris Bould
Writer: Bill Hicks
Main cast: Bill Hicks
(For more information about Bill Hicks, please click here.)
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