The Aliens in War of the Worlds: How They Ultimately Met Their Demise
H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel War of the Worlds has captivated readers and audiences for over a century with its gripping tale of an alien invasion. But what about the aliens themselves? How did they, the supposedly invincible creatures from Mars, meet their downfall? In this article, we’ll delve into the various theories and events that led to the downfall of the Martian invaders, exploring the different scenarios depicted in the novel, various adaptations, and the lasting impact of this iconic narrative.
The Novel: A Scientific Explanation
In the original novel, War of the Worlds (1898), the aliens die due to terrestrial bacteria and microorganisms that they are not adapted to. Wells, a master of scientific speculation, recognized the potential consequences of exposure to Earth’s unique flora and fauna. As the Martians venture further onto the planet, they come into contact with various microscopic organisms that their Martian immune systems are unable to withstand.
Table: Consequences of Exposure to Terrrestrial Bacteria
| Bacteria/ Microorganism | Effect on Martian Aliens |
|---|---|
| Streptococcus | Respiratory infections, pneumonia |
| Staphylococcus | Skin infections, cellulitis |
| Escherichia coli | Intestinal infections, diarrhea |
| Clostridium perfringens | Cellulitis, abscesses |
The novel vividly describes the aliens’ susceptibility to these microorganisms:
"Their blood was nothing to our blood; there was no comparison; there was no comparison, we say, between their brains and ours. The result was that they succumbed to the simplest forms of disease. They had fallen, as it were, from the top of an immense and intricate system into a tiny and rudimentary one, and it might be said that the one thing that had worked was the bacteria of our skin, to which the atmosphere of the Earth is essentially hostile."
The Hollywood Adaptations: Different Stories, Same Fate
Since the novel’s publication, there have been numerous adaptations and reinterpretations of War of the Worlds, each with its own twists and turns. Some versions have explored alternative explanations for the aliens’ demise, while others have stuck closely to Wells’ original conception.
Table: Movie Adaptations and the Death of the Aliens
| Movie | Death of the Aliens |
|---|---|
| 1953: Paramount Pictures | Thermal Radiation: The aliens perish due to the heat emitted by the Earth’s crust. |
| 1978: BBC Radio Production | Bacteria (similar to the novel) |
| 1988: Orson Welles’ Radio Play | Nuclear Radiation |
| 2005: Steven Spielberg’s Film | Methane Gas: The aliens suffocate due to the large amounts of methane gas they release while burrowing through the Earth’s crust. |
The End of the Martians: Symbolism and Significance
The demise of the Martians in War of the Worlds can be seen as a metaphor for the dangers of imperialism and the hubris of invasion. The aliens, thought to be superior and powerful, are ultimately defeated by the very planet they attempt to conquer. This message resonates with audiences worldwide, serving as a powerful commentary on the human experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the aliens in War of the Worlds met their demise through a combination of terrestrial bacteria and microorganisms, thermal radiation, nuclear radiation, or methane gas, depending on the adaptation. Through these various explanations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the novel’s lasting impact and the significance of its themes. The legend of the Martian invasion will continue to captivate readers and audiences, inspiring new adaptations and interpretations that cement War of the Worlds as a timeless masterpiece of science fiction.
