"When the Sleeper Wakes" is a science fiction novel by H.G. Wells that explores the themes of social change and the consequences of technological advancement. The story follows Graham, a man who falls into a long sleep and wakes up after two hundred years to find a dramatically transformed world. Society has evolved significantly, and he learns that he has become a symbol of power and an unwitting figure in a new civilization marked by oppression and mechanical rule.
The setting reveals a dystopian society with stark contrasts between the wealthy elite and the struggling masses. Graham grapples with the realization that the world he once knew is gone. As he learns about the new social structure, he becomes increasingly aware of the injustices faced by the common people, prompting him to rethink his position and responsibilities in this new era.
Throughout the narrative, Wells examines the implications of industrialization and the potential perils of a mechanized future. Graham's journey becomes a quest for awakening—not only to his own identity but also to the plight of humanity in a world driven by greed and technology. Ultimately, the novel serves as a cautionary tale about the need for balance between progress and the preservation of human values.