When the Sleeper Wakes is a dystopian novel, of which reflects the nature of history through

the exploration of human nature and technology. The novel, written by H.G Wells, depicts a
story of a messianic protagonist who challenges the extreme capitalist ways of the future. In
this text, Wells conveys his socialist and political opinions towards the worlds development,
as he challenges the nature of capitalism, in respect to our consideration of history.
This leads to the question, how is the nature of history developed in the novel?
-----The nature of history can be interpreted as a step for developing the current world, as it can
assist with future decisions and our understanding of the society. However, there can be
misconceptions.
According to various book reviews, Wells criticises the lack of initiative that the society
possesses towards universal issues, particularly social inequality and manual labour. He
reveals the consequences of extreme capitalism to show readers the true nature of humanity.
This is demonstrated through Grahams controllers, who exploit his financial estate to
dominate the society. In one instance, the controllers are conveyed to discriminate the poor,
as they restrict their access to any facility. This is supported by the quote: There are no
workhouses, no refuges and charities, nothing but that Department. This shows the
lack of support the council provides, exemplifying their disregard of the societys wellbeing.
The representation of greed supports Wells criticism upon the societys dependence on
manual labour. Portraying capitalism as a way of creating a gap between the rich and poor,
and developing ignorance towards these issues, Wells exposes his concerns in considering the
past for the future. He emphasises the impact of history, since he exposes greed and
selfishness as repercussions leading to Urban Decay.
-------This leads to my next point: the absence of knowledge and history. Wells portrays the
insignificance of history through the protagonist. Graham is portrayed with the potential to
overthrow the controllers, possibly due to his knowledge and understanding of the past.
Through this manifestation, Wells conveys the influence of greed, as he expresses the
eradication of history as a benefit to the government. Wells conveys this in the councils
response to Grahams awakening: It is expedient for us that one man should die for
the people. This claim conveys their greed, as their willingness to exterminate Graham
confirms their ignorance of any evidence of the past.
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury, shares a similar concept. As a hindrance for happiness,
history is conveyed to cause grief and sorrow, thus, leading to the removal of books. Due to
this, disconcerting behaviours and a paradox of disasters is made evident. One example is the
limitation of freedom, as one quote states: they didn't want people sitting like
that..talking, etc.that was the wrong KIND of social life. This demonstrates the
restricted lifestyles of the society, as socialising while sitting is mistaken as incorrect for
interaction.
-----Having removed books and writing materials, Wells also demonstrates the loss of tradition,
particularly, religion, due to technology. He shows the diminishing nature of faith, as a result
of the arrogance developed from relying on technology. One book review supports this with,
quote: without the bible, how could any meaningful Christian Faith endure? In
the text, Christians are described to advertise their faith for attention, leaving Graham
horrified: this is appalling!. the essence of religion is reverence. This
exemplifies the loss of tradition, as it demonstrates the lack of respect the adherents have,
expressing their faith as a mere form of distraction.
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And Thus, I have come to the conclusion that the nature of history is developed as almost
insignificant. It has been regarded as a misconception, being revealed to hinder the societys
development, therefore, leading to Urban Decay and the lack of consideration for the
community.