Early Influences:
* Scientific Curiosity: Wells was a voracious reader and deeply interested in science from a young age. He studied biology at the Royal College of Science, where he was exposed to cutting-edge scientific discoveries and ideas.
* Social Commentary: Wells was also acutely aware of the social injustices and inequalities of Victorian England. He saw science as a tool for progress and wanted to use his writing to highlight the potential of scientific advancements while also warning of their potential pitfalls.
* Victorian Culture: The Victorian era was a time of rapid technological and social change. The burgeoning Industrial Revolution, alongside the rise of Darwinism and other scientific discoveries, created a sense of both wonder and anxiety about the future. This cultural climate provided fertile ground for Wells's imagination.
Specific Events and Influences:
* Reading Jules Verne: Wells was greatly inspired by the adventure and scientific wonder of Jules Verne's works, like "Journey to the Center of the Earth" and "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea." He saw Verne's writing as a blueprint for his own explorations of science fiction.
* The "Time Machine" Concept: The idea for his famous novel "The Time Machine" is said to have come to him during a casual conversation with friends, where they discussed the potential of time travel. This conversation sparked Wells's imagination and led to him exploring the possibilities of altering the past and future.
His Unique Perspective:
* Blend of Science and Social Critique: Wells's science fiction wasn't just about fantastical stories. He used it as a platform to explore social issues, critique class systems, and envision alternative futures.
* The Power of Imagination: Wells believed in the power of imagination and that it was vital to both scientific progress and social change. He used his writing to challenge conventional thinking and inspire readers to consider new possibilities.
In short, H.G. Wells became interested in science fiction through a combination of his innate curiosity, the social and scientific landscape of his time, the influence of writers like Jules Verne, and his own unique ability to blend scientific imagination with social commentary. He was a pioneer of the genre, using it to explore the possibilities of the future and challenge the assumptions of the present.