Heretics · Chapter
Mr. H. G. Wells and the Giants explained
Chesterton praises H.
What happens
Chesterton praises H. G. Wells for his intellectual humility and continuous growth, contrasting him with other modern thinkers. He defends Christian humility as a practical and successful virtue, arguing that it enables great achievements and romance, unlike pagan stoicism. He also critiques the Henleyites' call for a fighting England by pointing out that old English ballads celebrate the weak overcoming the strong.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This passage serves as the dramatic climax because it delivers the story’s central psychological reversal: the…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Humility and Romance
Chesterton argues that Christian humility is the source of romance and great achievements, contrasting it with pagan stoicism.
- Critique of Modern Morality
Criticizes scientific marriage proposals and the Henleyites' view of strength, advocating for a more humane and romantic approach.
Characters to notice
- Mr. H. G. Wells
Praised for his intellectual humility and continuous growth, having moved from sensational to more conventional opinions.
- Mr. George Moore
Contrasted with Wells as someone who leaps from one position to another.
- The Henleyites
Criticized for calling for a sturdy and fighting England while ignoring the old ballads' sympathy for the weak.
Key passages
“The most interesting thing about Mr. H. G. Wells is that he is the only one of his many brilliant contemporaries who has not stopped growing.”
Chesterton finds Wells remarkable because he continues to develop intellectually, unlike his peers.
Highlights Wells's unique intellectual evolution.
“Humility is so practical a virtue that men think it must be a vice.”
Humility is so effective that people mistakenly believe it is a bad quality.
Chesterton defends humility as a successful and worldly virtue.
