B1 Noun (fictional species) Neutral #36 más común 1 min de lectura

morlocks

/ˈmɔːrlɒks/

Morlocks represent a dark evolutionary path for humanity, driven by extreme social stratification and a critique of industrial society.

Palabra en 30 segundos

  • Fictional subterranean species from H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine."
  • Pale, ape-like creatures preying on surface-dwelling Eloi.
  • Symbolize social decay and class division in a dystopian future.

Overview

The Morlocks are one of the two divergent human species presented in H.G. Wells' classic novel, “The Time Machine.” Living approximately 800,000 years in the future, they inhabit a vast network of underground tunnels, emerging only at night. Physically, they are described as small, pale, and ape-like creatures with large, sensitive eyes adapted to darkness, having evolved to work and live in perpetual gloom. They represent the degenerate working class, forced underground by societal stratification, and their diet consists primarily of the surface-dwelling Eloi, whom they once served. This dark relationship highlights Wells' critique of class division and the potential future of humanity.

The word “Morlocks” is predominantly used in discussions pertaining to H.G. Wells' “The Time Machine,” literary analysis, and science fiction discourse. It can also be used metaphorically to describe groups of people who are hidden, exploited, or who exploit others from the shadows, especially in contexts discussing societal decay, class struggle, or the consequences of extreme social stratification. When used outside of direct reference to the novel, it often carries connotations of a primitive, subterranean, or predatory existence.

You will most frequently encounter “Morlocks” in academic papers, literary criticism, science fiction fan communities, and cultural analyses of dystopian themes. It appears in discussions about the evolution of humanity, the dangers of unchecked capitalism, and the future of technology. The term is less common in everyday conversation unless one is specifically referencing the novel or using it as a direct literary allusion.

While there are no direct synonyms for a specific fictional species, “Morlocks” can be compared to other archetypal subterranean or monstrous figures in literature, such as goblins, orcs, or troglodytes, due to their dark, hidden existence and predatory nature. However, the Morlocks carry a unique symbolic weight, representing the culmination of social inequality, which differentiates them from purely fantastical monsters. Unlike the Eloi, who represent a decadent upper class, the Morlocks embody the darker, more brutal aspects of humanity's potential future.

Ejemplos

1

The Time Traveller discovered that the gentle Eloi were actually cattle for the subterranean Morlocks.

literary analysis

The Time Traveller discovered that the gentle Eloi were actually cattle for the subterranean Morlocks.

2

Some critics argue that the Morlocks represent the ultimate consequence of unchecked social stratification.

academic

Some critics argue that the Morlocks represent the ultimate consequence of unchecked social stratification.

3

It felt like we were living in a world where the surface dwellers were oblivious to the Morlocks toiling beneath.

informal

It felt like we were living in a world where the surface dwellers were oblivious to the Morlocks toiling beneath.

4

The film adaptation struggled to capture the unsettling horror of the Morlocks as presented in Wells' original text.

everyday

The film adaptation struggled to capture the unsettling horror of the Morlocks as presented in Wells' original text.

Colocaciones comunes

the subterranean Morlocks the subterranean Morlocks
Morlocks and Eloi Morlocks and Eloi
prey of the Morlocks prey of the Morlocks

Frases Comunes

the Morlocks and the Eloi

the Morlocks and the Eloi

a Morlockian future

a Morlockian future

descendants of the Morlocks

descendants of the Morlocks

Se confunde a menudo con

morlocks vs Goblins

While both are often depicted as subterranean and sometimes malevolent, Morlocks are specific to H.G. Wells' novel and carry a strong allegorical meaning about social evolution, whereas goblins are a broader category of mythical creatures.

morlocks vs Trolls

Trolls are mythical creatures often associated with caves or bridges, known for their size and sometimes stupidity. Morlocks, however, are a distinct fictional species from a specific work, representing a scientific-dystopian vision rather than folklore.

Patrones gramaticales

The Morlocks were... The Morlocks preyed on... The concept of the Morlocks explores...

How to Use It

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Notas de uso

"Morlocks" is primarily used in literary, academic, or science fiction contexts. When used outside of direct reference to H.G. Wells' novel, it functions as a literary allusion or a metaphor for a hidden, often exploited or exploitative, underclass. Its register is generally neutral but leans towards academic or specific fan discourse.


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Errores comunes

A common mistake is to treat "Morlocks" as a generic term for any monster or subterranean creature without acknowledging its specific origin in "The Time Machine." Another error is to overlook its critical symbolic function, reducing them to mere antagonists rather than products of Wells' social commentary.

Tips

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Understand their symbolic role

To truly grasp "Morlocks," focus on their allegorical meaning as a critique of class and social evolution, not just as monsters.

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Avoid literal interpretation

Remember that Morlocks are a literary device. Using the term outside of literary or metaphorical contexts can lead to misunderstanding.

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Explore dystopian literature

Reading "The Time Machine" and other dystopian works provides essential context for understanding the Morlocks' impact on culture and thought.

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Origen de la palabra

The word "Morlocks" was coined by H.G. Wells for his 1895 novel "The Time Machine." Its exact etymological roots are unknown, but it is believed to be an invented name intended to sound somewhat alien and primitive, fitting the creatures' degenerate nature.

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Contexto cultural

The Morlocks, along with the Eloi, have become iconic figures in science fiction and a powerful allegory for social class divisions and the potential future of humanity. They have influenced countless dystopian narratives, films, and philosophical discussions about evolution and societal decay, cementing "The Time Machine" as a foundational work of speculative fiction.

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Truco para recordar

Think of "MOR-locks" as "MORE-locks" – they are locked away underground, representing the more primitive, darker side of humanity's future. They are "more" savage than the surface dwellers.

Preguntas frecuentes

4 preguntas

The Morlocks were created by the British author H.G. Wells and first appeared in his influential 1895 science fiction novel, "The Time Machine." They are central to the novel's dystopian vision of the future.

In "The Time Machine," the Morlocks and Eloi represent two divergent evolutionary paths for humanity. The Morlocks are the subterranean, industrial descendants, while the Eloi are the surface-dwelling, childlike descendants. The Morlocks prey on the Eloi, a reversal of their ancestral master-servant relationship.

The Morlocks symbolize the working class, driven underground and dehumanized by industrial society, eventually evolving into a predatory species. They represent the dark consequences of unchecked social inequality and the degeneration of humanity.

No, Morlocks are entirely fictional creatures. They exist only within the narrative of H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine" and its adaptations, serving as a powerful allegorical tool.

Ponte a prueba

fill blank

Complete the sentence with the most appropriate word.

In H.G. Wells' "The Time Machine," the pale, subterranean creatures known as the ___ preyed on the docile Eloi.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: Morlocks

The sentence directly refers to the specific fictional species from H.G. Wells' novel.

multiple choice

Choose the best description of the Morlocks' symbolic role in "The Time Machine."

What do the Morlocks primarily symbolize in H.G. Wells' novel?

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: The degeneration of the working class

The Morlocks are depicted as the evolutionary outcome of the oppressed working class, driven underground and becoming predatory.

sentence building

Form a sentence using "Morlocks" that reflects their predatory nature.

Create a sentence describing the Morlocks' relationship with the Eloi.

✓ ¡Correcto! ✗ No del todo. Respuesta correcta: The Morlocks hunted the Eloi for food.

This sentence accurately captures the predatory dynamic established in the novel between the two species.

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