What Kills the Aliens in War of the Worlds?
H.G. Wells’ classic science fiction novel, War of the Worlds, published in 1898, has been a staple of popular culture for over a century. The story tells the tale of a Martian invasion of Earth, and the desperate attempts of humanity to repel the extraterrestrial threat. But what kills the aliens in this epic battle? Let’s dive into the novel and explore the answer.
The Initial Attack
The Martian invasion begins with a series of massive black smoke spheres, which fall from the sky and burst open, releasing swarms of Tripod-like machines. These machines, each over 400 feet tall, are the primary invasion force and are designed to crush any opposition. The heat rays from the machines prove to be a formidable weapon, capable of vaporizing entire buildings and leaving nothing but ash and rubble in their wake.
The First Victims
As the Martians begin their conquest of London, the first human victims are killed by the heat rays. The streets are filled with the cries of the dying and the burning buildings, as the Martians methodically destroy everything in their path. The British Army, despite its bravery, is unable to mount an effective resistance against the Martian machines.
The Turning Point
As the Martians continue their rampage, a strange phenomenon is observed: the Martians begin to succumb to terrestrial bacteria. The first sign of trouble comes when a group of Martians, exposed to the germs while exploring a shallow pool of water, fall ill. The Martians are completely unaware of the deadly power of microorganisms and are helpless against the tiny invaders that are wreaking havoc on their bodies.
The Microscopic Menace
The Martian invasion is halted when the bacteria that cause the common cold, influenza, and other terrestrial diseases begin to spread among the alien invaders. The Martians’ lack of immunity to these diseases proves to be their downfall, as their bodies begin to break down and eventually die. The microbes are the unsung heroes of the battle, ultimately responsible for saving humanity from the Martian threat.
The Aftermath
In the aftermath of the Martian invasion, humanity is left to pick up the pieces and rebuild. The destruction is extensive, with entire cities reduced to rubble. The once-mighty Martians, with their advanced technology and seemingly invincible machines, are defeated by the tiny, yet mighty, microbes. The novel ends with a sense of relief and wonder, as humanity begins to rebuild and try to make sense of the events that have transpired.
Table: The Effects of Microorganisms on the Martians
| Disease | Symptoms | Effect on Martians |
|---|---|---|
| Common Cold | Runny nose, sore throat, cough | Mild to moderate |
| Influenza | Fever, chills, body aches | Moderate to severe |
| Other Terrestrial Diseases | Varies | Variable |
Conclusion
In War of the Worlds, it is not the heat rays, the Tripods, or the British Army that ultimately defeat the Martians, but the microscopic menaces that are present on Earth. The novel highlights the importance of understanding and respecting the power of microorganisms, which are often overlooked, yet play a crucial role in shaping the world around us.
