When the Sleeper Wakes by H.G. Wells

Name: When the Sleeper Wakes
Author: H.G. Wells

The novel is a dystopian warning about the dangers of unchecked industrialization and technological advancement. It tells the story of a man who falls into a deep sleep in the late 19th century and wakes up over 200 years later to find himself in a world that has been transformed beyond recognition. In this future society, humanity has become complacent and stagnant, with people living in a state of enforced leisure and consumption. The government exercises total control over every aspect of life, suppressing any dissent or creativity. The protagonist, who is awakened from his long sleep, finds himself at odds with the new world order and struggles to come to terms with the changes that have taken place. He becomes embroiled in a plot to overthrow the ruling elite and restore individual freedom and autonomy. Through its depiction of a future society, the novel critiques the social and economic conditions of Wells' time, warning about the dangers of unchecked industrialization and the dehumanizing effects of technological advancement.

By H.G. Wells · First published 1910 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction · 24 chapters · 98,513 words

First lines

One afternoon, at low water, Mr. Isbister, a young artist lodging at Boscastle, walked from that place to the picturesque cove of Pentargen, desiring to examine the caves there. Halfway down the precipitous path to the Pentargen beach he came suddenly upon a man sitting in an attitude of profound distress beneath a projecting mass of rock. The hands of this man hung limply over his knees, his eyes were red and staring before him, and his face was wet with tears.

What this Textopian page supports

When the Sleeper Wakes is listed on Textopian as a novel by H.G. Wells, dated 1910 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: 1910 CE
Language: English
Genres: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Speculative Fiction, Adventure, Political Fiction
Length: 98,513 words
Structure: 24 chapters, 1,763 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)

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Work identity for When the Sleeper Wakes by H.G. Wells
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Discussion starters

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Similar titles

Genres

Science Fiction — The book explores futuristic themes, advanced technology, and societal changes.
Dystopian — It presents a future society characterized by oppressive control and a loss of individual freedoms.
Speculative Fiction — The narrative speculates on the future of humanity and societal evolution.
Adventure — The protagonist's journey and experiences in a transformed world provide elements of adventure.