Is H.G. Wells's 'The Time Machine' a Horror Story, Science Fiction Novel, or Fantasy?

H.G. Wells's seminal work, The Time Machine, has long been debated within the realms of literature and genre classification. Primarily classified as a science fiction novel, it delves into themes of time travel, grounded in speculative science. However, the story's depiction of the Morlocks and a dystopian future also evokes horror elements, leading to discussions about whether it should be categorized as horror, science fiction, or fantasy.

Genre Classification

One way to approach these genres is to consider their primary functions and how they make us feel or think. Horror stories disturb or upset, high fantasy stories make us yearn for a more pastoral setting and natural order, and science fiction often critiques current social situations by setting them in the future.

Science Fiction

The Time Machine fits squarely into the realm of science fiction. The narrative explores scientific concepts, evolutionary theory, and social commentary, firmly rooted in speculative science. The story's central premise revolves around scientific concepts rather than supernatural elements, which distinguishes it from fantasy. H.G. Wells presents a critique of the social systems of his time, envisioning a future where these systems result in a dystopian world, but the core of the story remains a scientific exploration.

Horror Elements

The story does contain disturbing elements, characters, and a setting that evoke horror. The depiction of the Morlocks and the dystopian future can certainly be frightening. However, the link to high fantasy is weaker. Fantasy often involves magical or supernatural elements, while The Time Machine relies more on scientific concepts. The key difference is the presence of science in the story, which is more concrete and pointed in Wells's work than in many fantasy stories.

The Evolution of Genre

It's also important to consider the context in which Wells wrote. The Time Machine was published in 1895, a time when the horror genre as we know it today did not exist. Instead, Wells wrote what would be considered a 'scientific romance'. The more sensational passages he included were intended to provide drama and excitement similar to Victorian adventure stories.

However, reading The Time Machine today, the impact is undeniably stronger. The central image of a paradisal but mindless future Earth with bestial cannibalism below the surface evokes a visceral response. The orderly, civilized world that Wells knew and wrote about has been swept away, making the story's critique more poignant. Whether or not it is a horror story, it undeniably contains elements of horror that resonate with readers.

Conclusion

The Time Machine is indeed a science fiction novel. While it contains horror elements, it is not best classified as a horror story but rather as a science fiction novel with horror elements. This classification remains accurate regardless of the context in which it was written, as the story's impact on readers has not diminished over time.