In this 1897 work, the title character enters an inn with his face almost entirely covered in bandages

The Final Jeopardy clue for Tuesday, March 10, 2026, appeared in the category “Books & Authors.” Contestants were presented with the clue: “In this 1897 work, the title character enters an inn with his face almost entirely covered in bandages.” The question points directly to one of the most recognizable introductions in late 19th-century science fiction literature. The unusual appearance of the mysterious visitor immediately sets the tone for a story built around secrecy, scientific experimentation, and the unsettling consequences of unchecked ambition.

The correct response to the clue is the famous novel by English writer H. G. Wells that begins with a strange, bandaged stranger arriving at a small English village inn. The scene is among the most memorable openings in classic speculative fiction and serves as the foundation for the mystery that unfolds throughout the novel.

What is The Invisible Man?

H. G. Wells’ The Invisible Man was first published in 1897 and is widely regarded as one of the landmark works of early science fiction. The novel tells the story of Griffin, a scientist who discovers the secret of invisibility but becomes increasingly unstable and dangerous as the consequences of his experiment spiral out of control. The story begins when Griffin arrives at the Coach and Horses Inn in the village of Iping, Sussex, wrapped in bandages and wearing dark glasses to conceal his condition.

The bandages described in the opening chapters are not merely a disguise but a necessity. Griffin has already rendered himself invisible through a scientific process that alters his body’s refractive index. Because invisibility leaves him exposed to the elements and vulnerable to discovery, he hides his appearance beneath clothing, gloves, and facial coverings. This strange arrival immediately draws suspicion from the villagers and sets in motion the events of the novel.

The Memorable Opening Scene

The clue referenced the moment when the mysterious stranger first enters the inn, a scene that has become iconic in literary history. Wells carefully builds suspense as the man arrives during a snowstorm, completely wrapped in bandages with only the tip of his nose visible. His reclusive behavior and refusal to remove the coverings provoke curiosity and unease among the innkeepers and local residents.

This introduction functions as both a mystery and a narrative hook. Readers are initially left wondering about the stranger’s injuries and motives, and Wells gradually reveals the truth behind Griffin’s condition through a series of escalating incidents. The bandages, gloves, and glasses that conceal his invisibility become powerful visual symbols, emphasizing the tension between scientific discovery and social isolation.

H. G. Wells and the Birth of Modern Science Fiction

H. G. Wells was already establishing himself as a major figure in speculative fiction during the 1890s. Alongside works such as The Time Machine (1895) and The War of the Worlds (1898), The Invisible Man helped define the emerging genre of science fiction by blending imaginative scientific concepts with social commentary.

Wells used Griffin’s story to explore themes that extended beyond the scientific premise of invisibility. The novel examines the dangers of unchecked ambition, the ethical responsibilities of scientific discovery, and the psychological toll of isolation. Griffin’s descent into paranoia and violence reflects Wells’ broader concerns about the misuse of knowledge and power.

The Lasting Legacy of The Invisible Man

Since its publication, The Invisible Man has remained one of H. G. Wells’ most enduring works. The novel has inspired numerous film, television, and stage adaptations, beginning with the influential 1933 Universal Pictures film starring Claude Rains. The story’s central concept continues to captivate audiences and has been reinterpreted many times across different media.

The opening scene referenced in the Final Jeopardy clue remains one of the most recognizable moments in the book. The image of the bandaged stranger entering an inn has become a defining piece of science fiction imagery, instantly associated with Wells’ classic tale of invisibility, ambition, and the unintended consequences of scientific experimentation.