War of the Worlds is a prime example of how H.G. Wells is capable of portraying many different thematic elements in a small yet eloquent piece of writing. In any case, one of the most prominently explored themes in this given narrative is the theme of ‘lack of urgency when faced with something that does not pose an immediate threat’. This theme is most apparently represented in the book’s first few chapters, when the danger of the extraterrestrial creatures remains to be a potential threat rather than an actual one. This theme can be further exemplified as we observe the story’s events on a more detailed scale. Three key events that well embody this theme are the detection of odd activity on Mars’ surface, the landing of the first cylindrical martian pod, and the first emergence of the creatures from their pod.
We can initially begin to detect the theme in question from the very moment in the story when the narrator speaks of reports of unusual activity on Mars. As soon as chapter one does our unnamed narrator mention to us that his friend Dr. Ogilvy was aware of an eruption on the surface of Mars. Not only did a singular eruption occur on this planet’s distant surface, but this eruption was followed by nine other timely and subsequent eruptions of the exact same nature. Already, it would be natural of the reader to expect a panicked reaction of sorts from the general public in the story. This, however, was not the case. Hardly any feelings of disconcert were mentioned thus far, by the narrator or any other character alike.
Following this first example of the story’s theme of lack of urgency, the theme prevails yet again. As the story goes on, the danger finally makes its arrival on Earth as the first martian tripod graces a small town in England with its landing. As the narrator explains it, the people of this town are stricken with awe, curiosity and fascination. They even make a point to gather round the cylindrical object as close as possible to take in the sessile spectacle of it all. None of these reactions, however, come quite close to constituting any level of fear, let alone panic or distress. In turn, no precautionary actions have been made at this point in Wells’ story.
To further demonstrate the lack of urgency of the characters of War of the Worlds, we can look further yet into the story. Inevitably, the martian cylinder that landed in Woking didn’t remain intact for very long. Succeeding its arrival by a few timely days, the object’s top unscrewed from within and out came a group of monstrous and seemingly lethargic alien creatures. One would assume that the sight alone would be enough to instill terror among the witnesses. This was, again, not the case. Because these creatures seemed to be so lethargic and harmless, little precaution had been taken by any of the story’s characters. It was not until the martians did attack that any of the characters of any significance did show signs of distress.
In conclusion, the lack of urgency when faced with something that does not pose and immediate threat is a theme which Wells thoroughly exemplified in the novel. As we can see, there are countless occasions in which any of the characters could have detected the imminent threat posed by the strange activity on Mars or the presence of the creatures on Earth. Whether it may have been to achieve some sort of effect or to cryptically degrade the rational capabilities of human nature, this was one of many themes which H.G. Wells expertly included in his writing of War of the Worlds.
