In the Days of the Comet
What is In the Days of the Comet about?
In the Days of the Comet , first published in 1906, is one of H. G. Wells’ “scientific romances.” Though it’s clearly a work of science fiction in that it features the collision of a huge comet with Earth, it has a greater than usual emphasis on Wells’ typical social commentary and criticism. The main story is cast as a memoir being written by an old man in a tower. It begins with the narrator as an unhappy young man who is thwarted in love. The grim working and social conditions of the late 19th century are described in some detail. After the comet strikes, the effects of the green vapors it spreads are the focal points of the plot of the second and third parts. They somehow alter human consciousness in a way which makes them immediately perceive both the flaws of their previous behaviors, and the inequities of society’s structures. With this new consciousness, humanity begins to remake the world. The publication of In the Days of the Comet caused a degree of shock and scandal in that it concludes with an endorsement of the idea of polyamorous love, with the narrator in a happy foursome relationship. Even the progressive Fabian Society, of which Wells was an early member, were scandalized by the book’s ending.
Main themes in In the Days of the Comet
Cosmic transformation
In the Days of the Comet thoughtfully explores cosmic transformation through its central conflicts.
Utopian vision
The theme of utopian vision weaves through In the Days of the Comet, adding depth to its narrative.
Free love controversy
Free love controversy emerges as a defining element in In the Days of the Comet, shaping character development.
Jealousy eliminated
Jealousy eliminated emerges as a defining element in In the Days of the Comet, shaping character development.
Why In the Days of the Comet is still relevant today
In the Days of the Comet combines apocalyptic science fiction with utopian social vision. A comet's gases transform humanity, eliminating jealousy and creating a cooperative world. Wells uses the premise to imagine social transformation and advocate for free love—which caused scandal.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is In the Days of the Comet about?
A green comet passes Earth; its gases cause everyone to sleep and wake transformed—jealousy and competition replaced by cooperation and love. The narrator's personal drama of class resentment and sexual jealousy is dissolved by the change.
Why was In the Days of the Comet controversial?
Wells's utopia includes free love—the narrator, his former rival, and their shared love interest live harmoniously together. Critics accused Wells of advocating immorality. He defended the vision but suffered reputationally.
Is In the Days of the Comet science fiction?
The comet is science-fictional, but the novel is primarily utopian social speculation. Wells uses the impossible transformation to imagine how society might change if human nature itself improved.
How does this fit Wells's other work?
It combines his science fiction imagination with his social reformist beliefs. The cosmic intervention enables the social transformation Wells advocated in his non-fiction. It's more didactic than his best work.