When the Sleeper Wakes by: H.G. Wells (1899)

When the Sleeper Wakes is one of H.G. Wells' early forays into dystopian science fiction, originally published in 1899. The novel presents a bleak vision of the future, offering a potent mix of social commentary and imaginative speculation. The story follows Graham, a man who falls into a deep, coma-like sleep for over two centuries, only to awaken in a radically transformed world where he has unwittingly become the wealthiest and most powerful man on Earth.

The novel begins in the 19th century, with the protagonist, Graham, suffering from insomnia so severe that it leads to his entering a deep, unnatural sleep. This sleep lasts for over 200 years, during which time his modest financial investments, managed by trustees, grow exponentially, making him the symbolic owner of a vast fortune. Upon awakening in the 22nd century, Graham discovers that his wealth has given him enormous influence over a globalized society ruled by a tyrannical elite.

The new world Graham encounters is dystopian: a sprawling, mechanized society where the masses are oppressed by a wealthy minority that controls both politics and industry. The lower classes live in squalor and are kept subjugated through technology and surveillance. The few who benefit from the rigid social structure live in isolated luxury, while most of the populace is forced into monotonous labor under harsh conditions.

As Graham adjusts to this disorienting reality, he learns that he is seen as a figurehead by the people and the ruling oligarchy alike. The masses look to him as a potential savior, while the elite seek to control him and maintain their grip on power. The novel’s central conflict emerges as Graham grapples with the moral responsibility thrust upon him, facing the choice between aiding the revolution against the oppressive regime or succumbing to the manipulations of those who have maintained control during his long sleep.

Wells explores several key themes in When the Sleeper Wakes, many of which are reflective of his broader concerns about industrialization, capitalism, and class struggle:

One of the novel's primary themes is the sharp divide between the ruling elite and the working masses. Wells depicts a future where technological advances have concentrated wealth and power into the hands of a few, exacerbating inequality and fostering widespread discontent. The novel critiques unchecked capitalism, suggesting that the future may hold even greater exploitation of the working class.

The mechanization of society is central to the dystopian world Wells envisions. The technology that powers the futuristic cities and maintains the ruling class's control has a dehumanizing effect, transforming workers into cogs in the industrial machine. This alienation resonates with Wells’ broader critique of the industrial revolution, where he saw technology as both a tool of progress and a source of dehumanization.

A significant part of the novel involves Graham’s internal struggle over whether to lead or support a revolutionary uprising against the oppressive elite. This theme reflects Wells' own socialist leanings and his belief that social revolution could be necessary to create a more just and equitable society.

As Graham transitions from an ordinary man into a figurehead with immense influence, the novel explores the complexities of power and the moral responsibilities that come with it. Graham's dilemma—whether to embrace his role as a leader of the oppressed or to allow himself to be manipulated by the existing power structures—mirrors the broader question of how individuals and societies should wield power.

In 1910, Wells revised the novel, releasing it under the new title The Sleeper Awakes. This edition streamlined some of the original plot and addressed Wells’ dissatisfaction with aspects of the initial publication. In particular, the revisions made the narrative more cohesive and polished some of the world-building elements.

When the Sleeper Wakes was not as commercially successful as some of Wells’ other works upon its initial release, but it has since gained recognition as an important early example of dystopian fiction. The novel’s influence can be seen in later works of dystopian literature, including George Orwell’s 1984 and Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World, both of which echo Wells’ concerns about power, technology, and social inequality.

Although When the Sleeper Wakes is not as widely known as The War of the Worlds or The Time Machine, it remains a significant work in Wells’ literary career. Its portrayal of a future society dominated by corporate oligarchs, the use of advanced technology to control the masses, and the depiction of revolution make it a pioneering work in the dystopian genre. The novel’s prescient commentary on the future of capitalism, technology, and social stratification continues to resonate in modern discussions of science fiction and social theory.

About the Author:
H.G. Wells (Herbert George Wells, 1866-1946) was an English writer, historian, and social commentator, widely regarded as one of the most influential authors of the early 20th century. Best known for his pioneering works of science fiction, such as The War of the Worlds, The Time Machine, and The Invisible Man, Wells also wrote extensively on social, political, and philosophical topics.

Wells was a committed advocate for social reform and was deeply involved in the intellectual and political debates of his time. He was a member of the Fabian Society, a British socialist organization that aimed to advance the principles of democratic socialism through gradual reforms rather than revolution. His interest in social issues and his belief in the power of science and education to improve society are reflected in many of his works, including The Open Conspiracy.

Wells was a member of the Fabian Society, a British socialist organization advocating for gradual, democratic reforms rather than revolutionary change. He engaged in political debates and was known for his radical views on social reform, class inequality, and the future of human society. Although he supported socialism, he was often critical of political parties and institutions, which he felt were too slow or corrupt to bring about real change.

Wells’ personal life was often as controversial as his writings. He had multiple affairs, including one with feminist and author Amber Reeves, which heavily influenced The New Machiavelli. The affair strained his relationship with the Fabians, and this personal experience is mirrored in the novel’s exploration of sexual morality, personal ambition, and political pragmatism.

H.G. Wells is widely regarded as one of the founding fathers of science fiction, but his contributions to literature extend far beyond that genre. His explorations of political, social, and philosophical issues influenced not only his contemporaries but also future generations of writers and thinkers. His predictions about future technologies, warfare, and society were often uncannily accurate.

Wells was deeply influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, which shaped his views on human nature, society, and progress. His writing style combined a fascination with science and the possibilities of the future with a deep skepticism of human nature and institutions. His works often reflect his belief that human progress requires a balance between scientific advancement and ethical responsibility.