A Summary and Analysis of ‘A Vision of Judgment’ by H. G. Wells
‘A Vision of Judgment’ is a humorous take on the
Day of Judgment, written by H. G. Wells and first published in *Butterfly* in September 1899. This brief tale offers a lighthearted view of Judgment Day, where all humankind, including the deceased, faces judgment for their actions before God.
Summary
The story unfolds across nine short parts, detailing the experiences of the narrator, who is dead and buried, upon realizing that
Judgment Day has arrived. As all people gather before God, notable figures like
Charles Darwin and
King Henry VIII join the line to account for their actions.
Key Moments in Judgment:
- The first to be judged is a Wicked Man, identified as King Ahab. Despite his numerous crimes, he recounts his sins with pride. When an embarrassing moment from his life is revealed, the audience laughs, and Ahab becomes frantic, ultimately fleeing into God’s sleeve in shame.
- Following Ahab, a Saint presents himself, boasting about his self-sacrifice and devotion. The Recording Angel, unimpressed, views him as a ‘nuisance’ for his pride.
- Once everyone has spoken, God drops each individual from his hand, through his sleeve, onto a beautiful new planet orbiting Sirius, granting them fresh, clean bodies and a second chance at life.
Analysis
‘A Vision of Judgment’ blends elements of
religious storytelling with
science fiction and
satire. Instead of the traditional judgment ending in heaven or hell, Wells offers a more forgiving version, where all receive a fresh start on a distant planet.
Satirical Commentary:
- The story satirizes human pride and folly, not religion itself. King Ahab, though a ‘Wicked Man,’ becomes a source of humor, embodying Wells's view that even the worst evil can seem ridiculous when exposed to laughter.
- The Saint embodies self-righteous pride. Though he appears holy, he’s guilty of pride, demonstrating that even the pious are flawed.
In conclusion,
‘A Vision of Judgment’ presents a God of “infinite mercy” who, instead of eternal punishment, offers everyone a new beginning. Wells’s portrayal challenges traditional views of judgment, suggesting that all human folly and evil may ultimately be forgiven.
