Herbie Murray
Written by H.G. Wells and published in 1899, *When the Sleeper Wakes* is a dystopian science fiction novel about a man who falls asleep for 200 years and wakes up in a transformed London where he has become the richest person in the world. The novel, which was later revised and published as *The Sleeper Awakes* in 1910, explores themes of insomnia, wealth accumulation, and the dangers of technological progress. It has influenced various works of science fiction, including the television series *Blake's 7* and the *Futurama* episode A Fishful of Dollars.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year of First Publication | 1899 |
| Author | H.G. Wells |
| Genre | Dystopian Science Fiction |
| Publication Format | Serial, Book |
| Main Character | Graham |
| Setting | Late 21st to Early 22nd Century London |
| Themes | Wealth, Power, Revolution, Dictatorship, Racism |
| Influence | Influenced "Blake's 7", "Buck Rogers", "A Fishful of Dollars" |
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What You'll Learn
The Sleeper wakes up after 200 years
In H.G. Wells' 1899 dystopian novel, *When the Sleeper Wakes*, the titular Sleeper, Graham, wakes up after 200 years to a transformed world. Graham was an insomniac living in London in the year 1897. To cure his worsening insomnia, he takes medication and falls into a deep sleep for two centuries.
Upon waking in the 22nd century, Graham finds himself revered by a populace who consider him their leader. He is initially disoriented, and the people around him are alarmed. A mob gathers, demanding to see the legendary Sleeper. Graham is placed under house arrest and learns that he is the legal owner and master of most of the world.
The trustees of his wealth, known as the White Council, have used his money to establish a new world order, investing in industries and political entities across the globe. However, the lower classes are still dominated and exploited under this new system. Rebels led by Ostrog help Graham escape from the White Council, hoping that he will lead them in a revolution. Ostrog becomes Graham's puppet ruler, and Graham leads a carefree life, developing an interest in aeroplanes and learning how to fly.
From the air, Graham sees that England has transformed drastically. There is no more countryside, and all agricultural work is now automated and run by the cities. Everyone lives and works in one of four massive, windmill-powered metropolises. Despite his wealth and power, Graham eventually learns that not everyone adores him, and some even wish to harm him.
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Graham is now the owner of the world
In the dystopian science fiction novel, "When the Sleeper Wakes", Graham is the richest man in the world. After suffering from insomnia, Graham, a radical pamphleteer from the 1890s, takes medication and falls into a deep sleep for 200 years. During this time, his wealth accumulates beyond his imagination, and he becomes the legal owner of most of the world.
Upon waking up in a transformed London, Graham is disoriented and alarmed by the people around him, who have gathered to catch a glimpse of the legendary "Sleeper". He is placed under house arrest and learns that he is the master of the world, with the power to shape its political and social landscape. Rebels led by Ostrog help Graham escape, as they believe he is the leader they need to rise against the White Council, the trustees who have managed his wealth and established their dominance during his sleep.
Graham reluctantly joins the revolutionaries, but soon finds himself separated from them during a march against the White Council. He meets an old man who reveals the truth about the Sleeper's influence and wealth, which has been used to buy up industries and political entities worldwide, resulting in a plutocracy. Ostrog, the true leader of the rebels, manipulates Graham into becoming a puppet ruler while he retains power. Graham's carefree life ends when he realises the harsh reality of the lower class, who continue to be dominated and exploited even after the revolution.
Through Graham's journey, the novel explores themes of wealth, power, and social inequality, painting a dark and bleak picture of the future. It also predicts the use of aeroplanes, green energy, and dictatorship, showcasing H.G. Wells' ability to create realistic and influential futuristic scenarios.
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A revolution against the White Council
In the novel When the Sleeper Wakes, Graham, the titular Sleeper, becomes embroiled in a revolution against the White Council, the group of trustees who have used his wealth to establish a new world order in his name. Upon waking up, Graham is disoriented and alarmed to find himself surrounded by a mob demanding to see the legendary Sleeper. He is placed under house arrest and learns that he is the legal owner and master of most of the world.
Rebels led by Ostrog help Graham escape from the White Council, who want him dead. Graham reluctantly joins the revolution, marching against the White Council with the workers. However, the revolutionaries are soon attacked by the state police, and in the confusion, Graham becomes separated from the group. He meets an old man who tells him about the White Council's evil deeds and their use of his wealth to gain political and economic control.
Graham eventually reunites with Ostrog and the revolutionaries, who want him to assume the role of leader. Graham agrees, becoming a puppet ruler while Ostrog retains power behind the scenes. Ostrog manipulates Graham and the revolution to seize power for himself, and the true extent of the exploitation of the lower classes is revealed.
The revolution against the White Council in When the Sleeper Wakes serves as a backdrop for Graham's journey and transformation from a disoriented sleeper to a figurehead leader. It highlights the power dynamics and social hierarchies present in the new world order established by the White Council.
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Ostrog's manipulative exploitation of the masses
In the novel "When the Sleeper Wakes" by H.G. Wells, the character Ostrog manipulates and exploits the masses to further his own agenda. Upon awakening after a 200-year sleep, Graham finds himself revered by an adoring populace who consider him their leader. However, he soon discovers that he is just a figurehead, and the true power is held by Ostrog, who leads the rebels against the White Council. Ostrog manipulates Graham into becoming a puppet ruler, using his revolutionary rhetoric to exploit the masses and seize power for himself.
Additionally, Ostrog's exploitation of the masses is evident in the way he uses the revolution to maintain his power. After successfully overthrowing the White Council, Ostrog admits that the lower classes are still dominated and exploited under his rule. Despite his revolutionary rhetoric, Ostrog defends the system that keeps the lower classes oppressed. This reveals that Ostrog's true motivation is not the betterment of the people but rather his own power and control. He manipulates the idea of revolution to gain support, but ultimately, his rule does not bring about any significant change for the lower classes.
Furthermore, Ostrog's manipulative exploitation extends to his plans for importing "Negro police" to quell the rioting populace. In the novel, Ostrog is quoted as saying, "White men must be mastered by white men," indicating his belief in racial hierarchies and his intention to use non-white individuals as a tool for controlling the white populace. This exploitation of racial tensions and stereotypes is a disturbing aspect of Ostrog's manipulation, showcasing his willingness to perpetuate harmful ideologies to maintain his power.
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The Sleeper's realisation of Ostrog's true nature
In the novel *When the Sleeper Wakes*, Graham, the Sleeper, wakes up to a world he does not recognise. He is disoriented and alarmed by the people around him, who seem to know who he is but refuse to answer his questions. Graham soon discovers that he is the richest man in the world and the legal owner of most of the planet. He is now revered by an adoring populace who consider him their leader and wish to see him. However, he also realises that not everyone adores him, and some even wish to harm him.
The White Council, the trustees who have managed his wealth during his sleep, want Graham dead. They attempt to assassinate him, but he is rescued by rebels led by the revolutionary Ostrog, who convinces Graham to join their cause. Ostrog tells Graham that the people need his leadership to rise against the White Council. Graham is unconvinced but goes along with the rebels, finding himself in the midst of a revolution.
During the march against the White Council, Graham is separated from the revolutionaries and meets an old man who tells him about the Sleeper. The old man is sceptical that the Sleeper even exists, believing him to be a made-up figure used by the Council to brainwash the population. Graham learns that the Council has used his wealth to establish a new world order, investing in industries and political entities to gain power and influence.
As the story progresses, Graham discovers the true nature of Ostrog's character. Ostrog reveals that he only wanted to take power for himself and has used the revolution and Graham's influence to achieve his goals. Ostrog admits that the lower classes are still dominated and exploited, but he defends the system. Graham's realisation of Ostrog's true nature comes as a stark contrast to his initial perception of the revolutionary as a saviour and ally.
Throughout the novel, Graham navigates a complex world where his wealth and influence have shaped the future in ways he never imagined. His encounter with Ostrog and the subsequent revelations about the true nature of the revolution highlight the power dynamics and manipulation present in this dystopian society.
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Frequently asked questions
The name of the main character is Graham.
The novel is set in the year 2100.
The Sleeper sleeps for 200 years.
The Sleeper is a radical pamphleteer.
The name of the revolutionary boss is Ostrog.
