Under the Knife by H.G. Wells (1896)
The novel explores themes of social class and medical ethics through a narrative that follows the life of a young doctor who becomes embroiled in a plot to assassinate a prominent politician. The story begins with the doctor's involvement in a botched assassination attempt, which leads him to become embroiled in a complex web of intrigue involving corrupt politicians, wealthy patrons, and radical revolutionaries. As the doctor navigates this treacherous landscape, he is forced to confront his own moral ambiguities and the consequences of playing with fire. The novel builds towards a tense climax that raises questions about the nature of power, morality, and the human condition. Throughout the narrative, Wells critiques the social ills of his time, including class inequality, corruption, and the exploitation of the poor by the wealthy.
By H.G. Wells · First published 1896 · Genre: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction · 6,340 words
First lines
"What if I die under it? " The thought recurred again and again, as I walked home from Haddon's. It was a purely personal question. I was spared the deep anxieties of a married man, and I knew there were few of my intimate friends but would find my death troublesome chiefly on account of their duty of regret. I was surprised indeed, and perhaps a little humiliated, as I turned the matter over, to think how few could possibly exceed the conventional requirement. Things came before me stripped of glamour, in a clear dry light, during that walk from Haddon's house over Primrose Hill. There were the friends of my youth: I perceived now that our affection was a tradition, which we foregathered rather laboriously to maintain. There were the rivals and helpers of my later career: I suppose I had been cold-blooded or undemonstrative -- one perhaps implies the other. It may be that even the capacity for friendship is a question of physique.
What this Textopian page supports
Under the Knife is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.G. Wells, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novel
- Author: H.G. Wells
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Science Fiction, Philosophical Fiction, Psychological Fiction, Speculative Fiction, Horror
- Length: 6,340 words
- Structure: 1 section, 46 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Under the Knife by H.G. Wells
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Genres
- Science Fiction — The narrative explores themes of consciousness, the afterlife, and a journey through space, which are common elements in science fiction.
- Philosophical Fiction — The story delves into existential questions about life, death, and the nature of the soul, reflecting philosophical themes.
- Psychological Fiction — The protagonist's introspection and exploration of his own mind and emotions are central to the narrative, characteristic of psychological fiction.
- Speculative Fiction — The story speculates on the nature of consciousness and the afterlife, fitting the speculative fiction genre.
Tags
Science Fiction · Medical Thriller · Dystopian · Psychological Drama · Social Commentary · Speculative Fiction · Future Society · Government Control · Moral Dilemma · Human Experimentation · Medical Ethics · Societal Critique