H. G. Wells shows both the upper and lower classes evolving into degraded forms
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Explanation:
In "The Time Machine", Herbert George Wells shows contrasting picture of the concept of Social Darwinism. Social Darwinism applied Charles Darwin's theory of the "<em>survival of the fittest</em>". The rich will become more rich while the poor will get poorer, maintaining the gap between the two classes. But in the novel, Wells depicts the lesser privileged group, the Morlocks as more superior than the developed upper class, the Eloi. The Morlocks represent the lower working class while the Eloi are the Victorian ruling class. The concept of the higher class passing on their "successful" genes to their future generation is refuted, with the twist of fates in the novel. But Wells also shows both classes evolving into a much more degraded forms of individuals, contrasting Darwin's claims of humans developing into much better individuals.
The way by which HG Wells refutes the theory of social darwinism in the time machine is by showing that both the upper and lower classes have evolved into degraded forms. The Eloi may have evolved to be be perfect and beautiful but they have grown lazy, weak and fearful of the Morlocks, who very aggressive though they appear primitive.
It can be both, because the definition of blithe is “showing a casual and cheerful indifference considered to be callous or improper.” And that is negative, but the other definition is “happy or joyous.” Which is positive
