H.G. Wells tale reflects problems of today

In “The Time Machine,” H.G. Wells presents us with a dystopia ruled by the subterranean Morlocks (brutal, predatory, smart) and populated by the Elois (idle, comfortable, gullible). The Morlocks graze their Elois, fatten them for the inevitable slaughter.

This post-apocalyptic society provides a handy analogy for our own times. Consider: Wall-street moguls design abstruse investment instruments with which to lure millions of Americans to buy their dream homes - homes they cannot afford. The outrageous terms of the mortgages ensure the buyers will fail to meet their obligations. Poof! The trusting buyer's home is foreclosed, his idyll is over. But, in the meantime, a predatory lender has made himself a handsome bonus.

Consider: A certain famous coach runs a charitable program for disadvantaged boys for 30 years. Surely these youths enjoyed experiences they might not otherwise have had. Select ones are showered with material gifts. The parents are awed that such a man would single their children out for attention.

As in Wells' tale, this Morlock grazes them well and then exacts his payment for those privileges. I distrust theories of society, Marxist, Post-Modern, etc., that I cannot visualize. Wells knew his tale was a relatively simple one of a society in which the predators have run rampant and unchecked for too long. It is easy to spot the Morlocks. But, how many of us look in the mirror and see an Eloi looking back?

Ann Treanor

Cedar Rapids