In H.G. Wells’s novel The Time Machine, the subterranean Morlocks represent the antagonistic force opposing the Time Traveller. These nocturnal creatures, devolved descendants of humanity, live beneath the surface world inhabited by the seemingly idyllic Eloi. Their relationship is parasitic, with the Morlocks providing food and clothing for the Eloi, while secretly preying upon them for sustenance. This dynamic creates a complex allegory for class struggle and the potential consequences of societal division.
The concept of the Morlocks as adversaries is central to the novel’s themes of social Darwinism, the dangers of unchecked technological and societal progress, and the potential for humanity’s self-destruction. The conflict embodies the anxieties of Wells’s time regarding industrialization and class disparity, offering a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of unchecked societal evolution. This depiction of a future dystopia established a significant precedent in science fiction, influencing countless subsequent works.
