H. G. Wells 
When the Sleeper Wakes (A Dystopian Sci-Fi) 

H. G. Wells’ novel ‘When the Sleeper Wakes’ is a compelling work of dystopian science fiction that explores themes of technological advancements, societal control, and the consequences of unlimited power. Set in a future world where the protagonist awakens after 200 years of slumber to a society ruled by a small elite, the novel serves as a cautionary tale warning against the dangers of unchecked progress and the potential for oppression in a futuristic world. Wells’ writing style is characterized by vivid descriptions, thought-provoking dialogues, and a keen eye for societal critique, making this novel a standout in the genre of dystopian fiction. H. G. Wells, a prolific writer known for his contributions to science fiction and social commentary, drew inspiration from the rapid technological advancements of the late 19th century to create ‘When the Sleeper Wakes’. His background in science and interest in societal issues influenced the novel’s speculative nature and served as a platform to discuss the ethical implications of progress and power imbalances in society. For readers interested in thought-provoking dystopian fiction that delves into the consequences of technological advancements and societal control, ‘When the Sleeper Wakes’ by H. G. Wells is a must-read. Its exploration of power dynamics, greed, and the human cost of progress offers a compelling and relevant narrative that will leave readers questioning the direction of our own society.

About the author

Herbert George Wells, known as H.G. Wells (1866–1946), was a prolific English writer who left an indelible mark on the landscape of science fiction and speculative fiction. His literary career was marked by a visionary quality that often explored the potential and perils of scientific advancements, social progress, and human nature. Wells’s writing style is characterized by a knack for prescient narratives, underpinned by his education in the sciences, which he pursued at the Normal School of Science in London, studying under the famous biologist T.H. Huxley.

One of Wells’s notable contributions to the science fiction genre is ‘When the Sleeper Wakes’ (1899), a dystopian novel that delves into themes of totalitarianism, class struggle, and the omnipotence of technology. In this work, Wells manifests his concerns with the future of society, conjuring a world where a man awakens after a long sleep to discover a society that has become technologically advanced but morally bankrupt. The book contributes to Wells’s reputation as a ‘father of science fiction, ‘ alongside his other seminal works like ‘The Time Machine’ (1895), ‘The War of the Worlds’ (1898), and ‘The Invisible Man’ (1897).

His literary style is marked not just by imagination but also sharp social commentary and a didactic clarity. Wells’s influence extends beyond literature into the realms of history and social science, with works such as ‘The Outline of History’ (1920). He was a man ahead of his time, a utopian and sometimes a pessimist, driven by a belief in the capacity for education and enlightened thought to steer humanity towards a better future.