No. I cannot expect you to believe it. Take it as a lie--or a prophecy. Say I dreamed it in the workshop. Consider I have been speculating upon the destinies of our race until I have hatched this fiction. Treat my assertion of its truth as a mere stroke of art to enhance its interest. And taking it as a story, what do you think of it?
In this quote from H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine," the speaker expresses skepticism about the audience's willingness to accept his narrative as truth. He invites listeners to dismiss his claims, suggesting they are either a fabrication or a visionary insight. This attitude reflects the tension between fiction and reality, emphasizing that the tale could be both imaginative and speculative.
The speaker encourages readers to view the story as a creative exploration of human destiny rather than a literal account. By framing it as a work of art, he aims to provoke thought and discussion about its themes and implications. Ultimately, Wells challenges the audience to consider the deeper meanings behind his narrative, regardless of its factual accuracy.
