Aliens, Empires, and Human Fragility: What The War of the Worlds Still Teaches Us

At Flourish in English, we love exploring classic stories that still have something powerful to say today — and H.G. Wells’ The War of the Worlds is a perfect example. First published in 1898, this thrilling science fiction novel tells the story of a sudden Martian invasion of Earth, as seen through the eyes of an ordinary, unnamed narrator in southern England.

As terrifying machines march through towns, firing deadly heat-rays and unleashing poisonous black smoke, humanity is forced to confront its own weakness, revealing both courage and cowardice, faith and fear. But behind the excitement of alien tripods and ruined cities, Wells was also making some bold, thought-provoking statements about his society — ideas that still resonate with us today.

What’s the Story About?

The War of the Worlds begins with a mysterious series of explosions on the surface of Mars. Before long, cylinders crash into the English countryside, revealing hostile Martians armed with advanced technology. As cities fall and people flee, the narrator struggles to survive, witnessing both the horrors of destruction and the strange, alien creatures themselves.

But just when it seems humanity is doomed, an unexpected force intervenes — not weapons or human ingenuity, but nature itself. The Martians, unused to Earth’s microscopic bacteria, fall victim to the smallest and most overlooked force on the planet.

The BIG ideas

Human Fragility

Wells’ novel reminds us how fragile human civilisation really is. The Martian invasion exposes both the strengths and weaknesses of humanity — bravery, ingenuity, fear, and selfishness. In the face of overwhelming danger, social order collapses, and survival becomes the only priority. Wells encourages readers to reflect on how little control we truly have in the grand scheme of things, whether against alien invaders or natural disasters.

Colonialism and Imperialism

Living in the age of the British Empire, Wells cleverly reverses roles by imagining the British people as the victims of colonisation. The Martians treat humans the same way powerful empires treated less technologically advanced societies — as resources to be conquered and exploited. Through this, Wells critiques the arrogance and cruelty of imperialism, showing its devastating effects when the roles are reversed.

Survival and Adaptation

As the invasion unfolds, people are forced to make moral choices and compromises. Some show incredible resilience, while others act selfishly or cruelly. Wells highlights how extreme situations test human character, showing both the best and worst sides of people when survival is on the line.

Environmental and Evolutionary Forces

The novel’s ending carries a powerful message: despite our achievements and technology, we are ultimately at the mercy of nature. The Martians, seemingly unstoppable, are defeated by Earth’s bacteria — a reminder of the evolutionary forces that shape life on our planet. It’s a humbling conclusion, and one that emphasises our connection to the natural world.

What Was Wells Trying to Say?

H.G. Wells was a forward-thinking writer who often used science fiction to comment on real-world issues. In The War of the Worlds, he warned against the dangers of unchecked power, whether in the form of empires, technology, or human arrogance. By portraying humanity as weak, divided, and ultimately powerless, Wells urges readers to think about their place in the world and the importance of humility, empathy, and respect for nature.

Why It Still Matters Today

Over a century later, Wells’ ideas still feel strikingly modern and perhaps more important than ever.

• Climate change, global pandemics, and natural disasters continue to remind us of our vulnerability, no matter how powerful or advanced we think we are. Like the Martians, who underestimated Earth’s tiniest life forms, humans often act as though we are invincible, only to be humbled by forces beyond our control.

• Technological advancements — from artificial intelligence to genetic engineering — raise new questions about ethics, responsibility, and what it means to be human. Wells’ story warns against the arrogance that can come with progress, reminding us that clever inventions don’t make us immune to danger or moral failure.

• Power imbalances and injustices between nations, cultures, and communities echo the colonial attitudes Wells criticised in his own time. By showing how easily the powerful can become powerless, the novel challenges us to think about empathy, fairness, and the dangers of assuming superiority over others.

At its heart, The War of the Worlds is a warning against human hubris — the belief that we are at the top of the chain, untouchable, and entitled to control everything around us. Wells encourages readers to stay humble, to recognise our place within the wider natural world, and to value cooperation, adaptability, and empathy over domination and pride.

In today’s rapidly changing world, these lessons feel as urgent as ever.