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Plot of H.G. Wells, Men like gods

“Men Like Gods” by H.G. Wells tells the story of Mr. Barnstaple, a disillusioned journalist from 1921 London, who accidentally travels to a parallel universe: a utopian world called Utopia.

• The accidental journey: Mr. Barnstaple, unhappy with his life and seeking an escape, is driving when a scientific experiment in a parallel universe inadvertently pulls his car and a few others into Utopia.

• Life in Utopia: This parallel Earth is three thousand years ahead of Earth’s development. It’s a peaceful, advanced society without war, poverty, disease, or bigotry. The Utopians are highly rational and govern themselves through education and adherence to “the Five Principles of Liberty” (privacy, free movement, unlimited knowledge, truthfulness, and free discussion). They’ve eliminated most forms of private property and use telepathy as a primary means of communication.

• Earthlings’ influence and conflict: The sudden arrival of the Earthlings brings a cultural clash. The Earthlings, including characters representing societal flaws like a reckless politician (likely a caricature of Winston Churchill) and a priest with traditionalist views, struggle to adapt to Utopia’s advanced society. Their illnesses pose a biological threat to the Utopians, leading to a quarantine. Resentful, some of the Earthlings conspire to conquer Utopia.

• Barnstaple’s transformation and return: Barnstaple, however, finds himself drawn to the Utopian way of life and eventually betrays the Earthlings’ plot. Although he initially desires to stay in Utopia, he is told that his greatest contribution can be made by returning to Earth, carrying the lessons of Utopia to inspire a revolution for a better future on his own world. He returns with a newfound determination to work for a terrestrial…

• Utopia.