The Man Who Could Work Miracles By H. G. Wells

Do you believe in miracles? A miracle can be defined as an event that defies natural and scientific laws. Miracles are commonly associated with religious events such as when Jesus turned water into wine. In the story, “The Man Who Could Work Miracles” by H.G. Wells, George Fotheringay has the ability to create miracles. Sullivan in “The Man of The House” by Frank O’Connor, also finds himself to have a miracle occur. Both of these characters experience their miracles in different ways, but both find out that their miracles are harmful even when they are made with goodwill in mind. Fotheringay creates miracles by stating what he wants to happen in a commanding tone. When he first finds out about his power, Fotheringay tries to only preform small miracles such as making a candle light by itself and getting undressed without having to move. Fotheringay then tries to make a walking stick blossom before getting startled. After testing out easy miracles, Fotheringay creates miracles that are more complex. One example is when he changes all the beer and alcohol into water. One of Fotheringay’s last miracles is when he makes the Earth stop rotating.
One simple but kindhearted miracle he creates is a new suit for Mr. Winch. After meeting Mr. Maydig, Fotheringay’s miracles become more complicated and more helpful to society. Some examples of these positive miracles are when he “improve[s] the soil of One Tree Hill, and cure[s] the Vicar’s wart” (Wells 441). Another example of how Fotheringay’s miracles are helpful is when he improves the railway’s communication. The miracle Mr. Maydig and Fotheringay think will be most beneficial for everyone is to stop time by stopping Earth’s rotation. Fotheringay creates this miracle believing no harm can come from