20 Inspirational and Thought-Provoking Quotes from H.G. Wells' Classic Novel 'The Time Machine'

Looking for some witty and amusing quotes that will make you chuckle? Look no further than H.G. Wells' classic novel, The Time Machine. This timeless tale of adventure and exploration is filled with clever one-liners and sarcastic observations that will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

Starting off with a bang, the protagonist remarks, It's not against the law to feed the Eloi, as he considers the strange customs of the future society he has stumbled upon. But it's not just the bizarre behaviors of the future humans that provide comic relief. The Time Traveler himself is often the source of humor, such as when he quips, I had expected to see a knob of wood growing... but I saw nothing of the kind.

As the Time Traveler continues to explore this strange new world, he encounters all manner of unusual creatures and phenomena. From the Morlocks, who are described as ape-like and grotesque, to the eerie silence of the deserted landscape, there is no shortage of oddities to marvel at. But even in the midst of all this strangeness, the Time Traveler manages to keep his wits about him, offering up witty retorts like, I know what country I'm in, at any rate.

Of course, not everything in The Time Machine is lighthearted. There are moments of darkness and danger, especially as the protagonist realizes the true nature of the society he has stumbled upon. But even in these tense moments, Wells manages to inject a bit of humor. For instance, when the Time Traveler is attacked by the Morlocks, he quips, I never knew before how much a mere physical object could mean to a man.

Despite the many changes that have taken place in the world since Wells wrote The Time Machine, the novel's humor and insight still hold up today. Whether you're a longtime fan of science fiction or just looking for a good laugh, this classic tale is sure to entertain and delight. So why not take a trip through time yourself and discover all the witty quotes and clever observations that await in The Time Machine?

Introduction

Have you ever read H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine? If not, you’re missing out on one of the most beloved science fiction classics of all time, and some seriously hilarious quotes. At its core, The Time Machine is a story about a man who travels through time and discovers the good, the bad, and the ugly of humanity. But beneath its serious exterior lies a treasure trove of witty one-liners, philosophical musings, and absurd observations. So let’s dive in and explore some of the most humorous and memorable quotes from The Time Machine.

The Time Traveller’s Introduction

The Time Traveller, our protagonist, starts off with a bang when he introduces himself to his dinner guests:

“I am afraid I cannot convey the peculiar sensations of time travelling. They are excessively unpleasant. There is a feeling exactly like that one has upon a switchback—of a helpless headlong motion! I felt the same horrible anticipation, too, of an imminent smash. As I put on pace, night followed day like the flapping of a black wing. The dim suggestion of the laboratory seemed presently to fall away from me, and I saw the sun hopping swiftly across the sky, leaping it every minute, and every minute marking a day.”

Can’t you just see the look on his guests’ faces as he describes hurtling through time like a roller coaster? It’s no wonder they’re skeptical of his claims!

The Time Traveller’s Views on the Future

As the Time Traveller journeys further into the future, he encounters some truly strange sights. Here are a few of his observations:

“The further forward we went, the more ugly and desolate the country became. I saw no trees, nor any green thing, and I was wandering through the haze of a barren, undulating desert.”

“All down the long corridor I heard whispered extravagances of his courage, and I could see his staff and his smile. Presently, a dog set up a long, lugubrious howl just outside—within ten yards of us. The sound was taken up by another dog, and then another and another, till, borne on the wind which now sighed softly through the Pass, a wild howling began, which seemed to come from all over the country, as far as the imagination could grasp it through the gloom of the night. It was partly human, beyond a doubt, with something of the wolfish quality in it, but the voice came from the direction of the sea, and it was certain that the beast itself was not far off.”

It’s pretty clear that the Time Traveller isn’t having a great time in the future. But at least he’s got some unsettling howling dogs to keep him company!

The Time Traveller Meets the Eloi and Morlocks

Eventually, the Time Traveller makes his way to the year 802,701 and meets two distinct groups of people: the Eloi and the Morlocks. Here are some of his thoughts on these strange beings:

“They were small, sleek, and dainty. Their hair was neat, their small faces chiselled, and their eyes bright and vivacious. They were clothed in suits of thin, brown stuff, like the coats of labourers. They wore no hats, but their hair was cut short all round about their ears, and they had beards of varying shapes and colours. They were a pretty sight, those boys, clustering around me like a flock of sheep, and I laughed to see their shiny little black faces. But presently I came to a smoky light proceeding from a low building, the door of which stood invitingly open. It was plain enough before we got quite close, and then I saw that it was a fire burning in the midst of a vast cavernous opening, that reached far away into the distance.”

“I saw the tops of the trees glowing like copper in the rays of the sun. A darkling sky overhead, the broadening waters, the sunlit uplands, a ship steaming northward, lights fading in the west, and the twilight falling slowly over all the familiar things—the Kennet and the Avon, the hills that bounded the plain, Salisbury spire, and the Martello tower.”

The Eloi and Morlocks may be bizarre creatures, but at least they’re pretty to look at. And hey, who doesn’t love a good sunset?

The Time Traveller’s Conclusions

After his journey through time, the Time Traveller comes to some pretty heavy conclusions about the fate of humanity:

“The great triumph of Humanity I had dreamed of took a different shape in my mind. It had been no such triumph of moral education and general co-operation as I had imagined. Instead, I saw a real aristocracy, armed with a perfected science and working to a logical conclusion the industrial system of to-day. Its triumph had not been simply a triumph over Nature, but a triumph over Nature and the fellow-man. This, I must warn you, was my theory at the time. I had no convenient cicerone in the pattern of the Utopian books. My explanation may be absolutely wrong. I still think it is the most plausible one.”

“The fact is, the Time Traveller was one of those men who are too clever to be believed: you never felt that you saw all round him; you always suspected some subtle reserve, some ingenuity in ambush, behind his lucid frankness.”

The Time Traveller may have had a rough time in the future, but at least he’s got some pretty deep insights into the nature of humanity. And hey, it’s always good to keep people guessing.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks—some of the funniest and most iconic quotes from The Time Machine. Whether you’re a die-hard science fiction fan or just looking for a good laugh, this classic novel has something for everyone. So why not take a trip through time and discover the wit and wisdom of H.G. Wells’ masterpiece?

Quotes From The Time Machine

Time is a great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its students.

I have traveled through time and space, and let me tell you, the lines at the DMV are still just as long.

Looking back at history, it's clear that humans have always been obsessed with time. We even named our children after hours of the day, like Dawn and Dusk. Imagine naming your child 2:30 PM though, that would be a bit odd.

The Time Machine might be a work of fiction, but have you ever tried to get your toaster to travel through time? It's a real struggle.

The only thing worse than being stuck in 2020 is being stuck in the past, where they didn't even have Netflix to binge-watch.

If you think about it, time travel is really just a way for people to escape their problems. But have they considered therapy instead? It's a lot cheaper than building a time machine.

They say time heals all wounds, but let's be real, it also causes some serious wrinkles.

The biggest flaw in the Time Machine is that it doesn't come with a snack compartment. How are we supposed to travel through different eras without any snacks?

Some people say time flies when you're having fun, but have they ever tried sitting in traffic during rush hour? Time moves slower than a snail on a treadmill.

They say ignorance is bliss, but it's hard to be ignorant when you're literally living in a different era. You can't just pretend like you're not wearing a corset and petticoat, people will notice.

Quotes From The Time Machine

The Storytelling

Once upon a time, there was a brilliant inventor named H.G. Wells who created a time machine that could travel through the centuries. His journey took him to the year 802,701 AD where he discovered two races – the Eloi and the Morlocks. During his adventure, he encountered some memorable quotes that have become timeless classics.

Let’s take a look at some of these quotes:

1. We all have our time machines, don't we. Those that take us back are memories...And those that carry us forward, are dreams. - H.G. Wells
2. The Time Traveller (for so it will be convenient to speak of him) was expounding a recondite matter to us. - Narrator
3. The Morlocks had atrophied and the Eloi had degenerated into feeble creatures. - The Time Traveller
4. It sounds plausible enough tonight, but wait until tomorrow. Wait for the common sense of the morning. - The Time Traveller

The Point of View

Reading quotes from The Time Machine is like taking a journey back in time with a humorous guide. The tone is light-hearted, yet thought-provoking. The quotes provide a glimpse into the mind of H.G. Wells and his unique perspective on time travel and humanity.

As we explore the world of The Time Machine, we see that the Eloi and the Morlocks are not what they seem. The Time Traveller’s observations are witty and engaging, making us question our own perceptions of society and evolution.

The Table Information

Overall, Quotes From The Time Machine provide insight into the mind of H.G. Wells and his views on time travel and humanity. The humorous tone and engaging storytelling make this classic work a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction and adventure.

Farewell, Time Travelers!

Well, folks, it's time to wrap up our journey through The Time Machine and bid adieu to our time-traveling adventure. But before we go, let's take a moment to reflect on the wise words and witty quips that H.G. Wells bestowed upon us.

It's clear that Wells had a great appreciation for science and technology, but he also recognized the dangers they posed if not wielded responsibly. As he put it himself, Our true nationality is mankind. In other words, while we may come from different cultures and eras, we're all human beings at the end of the day. So, let's use our knowledge and abilities for the betterment of all.

Of course, we can't forget about the hilarious lines that peppered the book, like the Time Traveler's quip about how it's a mistake to expect anything else from a child, except, of course, intelligence. Or his take on marriage: I suppose that nowadays it is all a question of expediency, isn't it?

But perhaps my favorite quote of all comes from the Time Traveler's description of the Eloi: They spent their time in playing gently, in bathing in the river, in making love in a half-playful fashion, in eating fruit and sleeping. I mean, who wouldn't want that life?

But alas, we must return to our own time and face the realities of our modern world. We may not have Morlocks or time machines, but we do have our own challenges to overcome.

So, as we say goodbye, let's leave with one final piece of wisdom from Wells himself: We all have our time machines, don't we? Those that take us back are memories...and those that carry us forward, are dreams. Let's keep dreaming and striving for a better future.

Thank you for joining me on this journey through The Time Machine. Until next time, keep your eyes open for any temporal anomalies!

People Also Ask About Quotes From The Time Machine

What are some memorable quotes from The Time Machine?

1. I have suspected for a long time that there is such a machine. It has been easy to verify my suspicion by means of the small camera which I placed in the passage. - The Time Traveller.
2. The future is dark, the present burdensome. Only the past, dead and buried, bears contemplation. - The Time Traveller.
3. It sounds plausible enough tonight, but wait until tomorrow. Wait for the common sense of the morning. - Filby.

What is the significance of the quote The Morlocks had descended upon us?

This quote refers to the moment when the Time Traveller and his companions encounter the Morlocks, who are cannibalistic, underground-dwelling creatures. The quote highlights the sudden, unexpected and violent nature of the Morlocks' attack on the group. It also emphasizes the idea that the Morlocks represent a darker side of humanity, one that has devolved into savagery and brutality.

What does the quote We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams mean?

This quote, spoken by the character H.G. Wells, suggests that everyone has their own way of time travel. Memories allow us to revisit the past and relive moments that have already happened, while dreams offer us the possibility of exploring the future and imagining different outcomes. The quote encourages us to cherish our memories and pursue our dreams, as they offer us a unique form of time travel that is personal and powerful.

What is the meaning behind the quote The machine had still, as it were, run away with him?

This quote refers to the Time Traveller's experience of traveling through time in his machine. He describes feeling as though the machine has taken control of him, rather than the other way around. The quote highlights the idea that time travel is a powerful and potentially dangerous force that can quickly spiral out of control. It also suggests that the Time Traveller himself is somewhat reckless and impulsive, willing to take risks in order to explore the mysteries of time.

How does the quote I've had a most amazing time...like a man who has been woken from a long sleep and is now enjoying the fresh morning air reflect the novel's themes?

This quote, spoken by the Time Traveller upon his return from his journey through time, suggests that he has gained a new appreciation for the present moment. It also implies that his experiences have made him feel more alive and awake than ever before. The quote reflects the novel's themes of the importance of living in the present and valuing the here and now. It also underscores the idea that time travel can be a transformative experience that changes how we view the world and ourselves.