The Library
of Alexandria

A character in The Time Machine

Who is the Eloi?

By the Library of Alexandria · 2 minute read · Updated 23 Ott 2026

In short

  • The Eloi are the gentle, childlike people living above ground in The Time Machine by H. G. Wells.
  • They spend their days eating fruit, playing and bathing, with little interest in learning or the wider world.
  • Their fear of darkness troubles the Time Traveller's first impression of a peaceful future.

Who the Eloi is

The Eloi are small, slight and beautiful, with curling hair and delicate faces. They wear soft robes and sandals, and live together in large, crumbling halls. They welcome the Time Traveller with curiosity and show no fear of the stranger.

Their comfortable lives seem to leave little need for work or sustained thought. When the Time Traveller tries to teach them words, they quickly lose interest. He first imagines that they live peacefully because humanity has conquered nature and ended poverty.

The Eloi and the others in the story

Weena is an Eloi woman whom the Time Traveller saves from drowning while the others watch. She becomes his friend and companion, offering a personal bond within this unfamiliar world. Like the other Eloi, she becomes deeply frightened as darkness approaches.

The Morlocks live underground among machines, while the Eloi spend their days above ground. The Time Traveller comes to suspect that this division grows from differences between rich people and workers. He sees the Eloi as descendants of an idle upper class, though he admits his explanations may be wrong.

Questions

Who are the Eloi?

The Eloi are gentle, childlike people whom the Time Traveller meets in the distant future.

Is Weena one of the Eloi?

Yes, Weena is a small Eloi woman who becomes the Time Traveller's devoted companion after he rescues her.

Why are the Eloi afraid of the dark?

Their fear is connected to the Morlocks, who live underground and emerge at night.

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