The concept of evolved humanity appearing in H.G. Wells’s classic novel, The Time Machine, frequently surfaces in crossword puzzles. These puzzles often employ descriptive terms for the Morlocks and Eloi, the two divergent branches of humanity encountered by the Time Traveler in the far future. Clues might refer to their subterranean or above-ground lifestyles, their respective characteristics (such as the Morlocks’ industrial nature or the Eloi’s apparent idleness), or their symbolic representation of a class-divided society. For example, a clue might be “Subterranean descendants in Wells’ novel” (answer: MORLOCKS).
Wells’s depiction of these future human forms serves as a cautionary tale about unchecked social and technological development. By presenting these two distinct species, Wells explores potential consequences of extreme specialization and social stratification. The crossword puzzle, by incorporating these elements, offers a playful yet thought-provoking way to engage with these literary and philosophical themes. The puzzle format requires solvers to recall specific details from the novel, thereby reinforcing its core ideas about humanity’s potential future and prompting reflection on its societal implications.
