APOCALYPTIC DYSTOPIAN FUTURE IN THE TIME MACHINE BY H. G. WELLS

Abstract

This study analyzes The Time Machine (1895) by H.G. Wells as a work of dystopian genre, demonstrating its significance in exploring dystopian narratives and Wells’ predictions on a possible apocalyptic future. Dystopian works serve both as a warning against the danger awaiting the current societal order in the future and a criticism of the present order. In this regard, Wells’ work acts as a key example of the dystopian genre and illustrates an apocalyptic world in which the society is divided into two different groups called the Eloi and Morlocks. The novel describes the Eloi as a community who live above the ground and maintain a simple life. On the contrary, the Morlocks live under the ground, having a darker existence. Through this differentiation, Wells underscores conflicts in the current societal order such as class division, rapidly growing technology, and the unrestrained social progress. Even though the setting of the story is in the far away future, Wells in this work successfully portrays the struggles of his own time and warns his readers against the possible paths these struggles might take them in the future. The Time Traveller travels through time, to an apocalyptic future and witnesses the possibilities which the conflicts in his own society might cause in the future firsthand. Consequently, Wells’ work serves not only as a story about the future but also as a warning against the current trends in society such as technological developments and the destruction of environment. Therefore, Wells’ work encourages readers to critically approach the present order of the society by portraying the probable dystopia that is awaiting them. Hence, what makes The Time Machine an important example of the dystopian genre is the fact that it serves as a warning to make a change and to reestablish balance in the present society. This study argues that Wells’ The Time Machine portrays an apocalyptic dystopia which warns against the possible conflicts that might be caused by the workings of the present, underscoring the consequences of societal and technological divides. Consequently, Wells’ work emphasizes on the need for societal change and balance to prevent a dystopian future.