H. G. Wells (1866-1946) is considered to be one of the most prolific and successful science-fiction writers of all times. He wrote ‘The War of the Worlds’, a novel which famously caused panic when it was broadcast live on the radio in 1938, when riots nearly broke out, when listeners thought that Earth was really being invaded by extraterrestrials. His science fiction stories provide a running commentary on real social issues, tapping upon popular culture, science, politics and satire. As for the present short story, although it does not deal with science fiction, stages through the symbolism of the door in the wall the division of the two paths offered to the contemporary individual. One of them is made of rationality, towing the line, doing what is expected, following the path of social and material success. The other path is elusive, evanescent, offered to us in the early years of childhood, when our full sensibilities are still alive, before they have been dulled by the process of conforming to social expectations. The door in the wall is symbolic of the door of the imagination, fed with the purest feelings of wonder and belief in beauty, innocence and fulfillment.
