There is little plot at this point in the story. Wells really gets into the culture and society of his world, and you start seeing why this is considered a dystopian novel. The first few chapters are interesting, full of faced-paced adventure set in a whimsically futuristic London. The real question seems to be - since this is how it is (crowded, over-competed, greed, haves / have nots, the gripes of the 99%, people claiming change but not actually changing) will there ever be a way to completely over-haul the system? Because there, like here, it's going to be `business as usual'. This stories statement presents weakly in resolution to issues but it, at least, presents honestly.

A relatively ineffective resolution to any of the economic disparities that exist, but one that championed Graham, who later martyrs himself for the cause of the oppressed as he shows off his combat aviator skills. When it appears as if Graham will be a puppet to one or the other side, he decides to guarantee distribution of his assets amongst the people if anything should happen to him in the impending coup d'état. On display are blatant classism (colors of society: Red = police, Purple = medical, Blue = people basically owned by the `Labor Companies', etc.), phonetic literacy, a body called the Council which directs Graham's assets and determines societies status quo and the Councils direct opposition - Ostrog `The Boss', the lead revolutionary, the man who is going to stop the Councils tyranny over the oppressed laborers. `The Sleeper' falls into a coma, depicted 20 years into his coma and his aides assert him benefactor to the gains of their endeavors.Īwakening 200 years (203, precisely) into the coma, Graham or `The Sleeper' is found in London's future. Six days sleep deprived and suicidal, a stranger is taken in by the man who spots him upon the beach. Wells predicted the wide-spread use of airplanes technically 5 years before the first flight recorded (Wright Bros) as you'll see airplanes become a central theme during the militarization of the classes. Originally written in graphic form in 1898, Wells re-wrote it, more to his satisfaction in 1910. How little of a man's day is his own - even at the best!'

When the Sleeper Wakes by H.G. Wells