The Time Traveler's Loss:
* Loss of Love: The Time Traveler is deeply affected by the loss of his love, Weena. Her death is tragic and sudden, leaving him heartbroken and alone in a strange and dangerous future.
* Loss of Hope: The Time Traveler's journey through time was initially fueled by curiosity and the desire to see the future. However, the dystopian future he encounters is filled with despair, leaving him questioning the meaning of progress and the future of humanity.
The Sadness of the Eloi and Morlocks:
* Devolved Humanity: The Eloi, while seemingly idyllic, are depicted as naive and helpless, lacking the intellectual and physical capabilities of their ancestors. They are ultimately preyed upon by the Morlocks, their own degenerated descendants.
* The Morlocks' Fate: The Morlocks, although monstrous, are also victims of their own evolution, driven by the darkness of the underground and their primal instincts. They live in a world of perpetual darkness and misery, constantly striving to survive.
The Book's Overall Tone:
* The Time Traveler's Despair: The Time Traveler's journey is marked by a growing sense of despair and disillusionment. He is haunted by the future he has witnessed, and his final words convey a deep sadness and sense of futility.
* A Warning About Humanity: While not overtly sad, the book has a strong undercurrent of warning about the potential dangers of unchecked progress and societal division. This warning leaves a lingering sense of unease and potential sadness.
In conclusion: While "The Time Machine" is a story of scientific wonder and adventure, it also explores profound themes of loss, societal decline, and the fragility of civilization, leading to a sense of underlying sadness.