The antagonist and protagonist of a story often have a multitude of differences with the addition of a few distinct similarities. Authors and storytellers often use the differences and similarities between the two opposing forces to communicate or express certain themes to the audience. These themes are often used in an attempt to change the audience's perspective towards a certain topic. This novel is no different, in fact; it would appear that the author of The War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells, was actually illustrating some of humanity's flaws and flaws through the differences and similarities between Martians and humans. It is obvious that Martians and humans have physical differences. However, the differences between the two are exceptional. The first alien sighted emerging from the container is described as: “A large greyish, rounded mass, the size, perhaps, of a bear, was slowly and painfully rising out of the cylinder. When it swelled and caught the light, it glistened like wet skin” (Wells 26). This first sighting does not provide a clear image but clearly describes the size difference. The narrator goes on to describe the creatures as having two dark-colored eyes with V-shaped mouths that look like beaks and an ear on the back of the head. Surprisingly the narrator mentions nothing about Martians having noses. This calls into question their means of taking oxygen from the atmosphere. Of course, these creatures are very different from humans; however they share the same basic parts with the exception of the nose. That is to say, both humans and Martians have eyes, mouths, and ears. In contrast, the physical body of Martians is notable... middle of paper... humans as a whole tend to treat those they consider inferior to them in a critical and judgmental manner, but when they are treated equally in a which they are often quick to get angry about. Although humans and Martians appear profoundly different, they share an immense amount of similarities. After analyzing how HG Wells portrayed both humans and Martians according to the overall story of a war, it is not difficult to summarize that the novel War of the Worlds is not just an analysis of an alien race, but it is a examination of humanity and the actions of humanity as a whole. The ending of Well's novel was clear: an intelligent being's ignorance of bacteria and disease simply demonstrates that even in defeat, hope should never be lost. Works Cited Wells, H. (1898). The War of the Worlds. New York: Barnes & Noble Books.