H. G. Wells' story is a notable example of farcical fantasy, a genre where ordinary characters unexpectedly gain miraculous abilities, akin to Aladdin from Alf layla wa-laya. Wells masterfully blends humorous elements with the supernatural, offering a satirical yet insightful critique of human potential and the limitations we face. He remarked, “It is always about life being altered that I write, or about people developing schemes for altering life.” This theme is mischievously explored in “The Man Who Could Work Miracles,” demonstrating Wells' unique ability to weave comedy with sharp social commentary.

Wells' approach is not merely about depicting life as it is; rather, he focuses on how life can be transformed, as he explained, “I have never once ‘presented’ life. My apparently most objective books are criticisms and incitements to change.” Through the fantastical narrative, Wells challenges readers to reflect on the boundaries of human capability and the consequences of unchecked power. His characters' adventures, while comedic, serve as a vessel for deeper philosophical musings on the nature of change and progress, encouraging audiences to ponder the potential within human imagination and ambition.

H.G. Wells, a visionary author of the early 20th century, astutely anticipated some pressing challenges of his era, including urban congestion and the ethical dilemmas posed by scientific advancements. He cast a critical eye on the notion of progress, repeatedly highlighting "the insecurity of progress and the possibility of human degeneration and extinction" across his works. This theme is vividly illustrated in the narrative of "The Man Who Could Work Miracles," where the protagonist Fotheringay's futile attempts to advance society underscore the precarious nature of unchecked ambition.

Similar to the narrative arc in The Island of Dr. Moreau (1896), where Dr. Moreau's well-meaning yet ultimately disastrous experiments unravel, Fotheringay's endeavors reveal the perils of tampering with nature. His lack of awareness regarding human limitations leads to catastrophe, as his desire to bring about change is undermined by the very nature he seeks to transform. Despite the comedic tone of the story, Wells embeds a serious commentary on the necessity of both societal and personal evolution.

At the core of "The Man Who Could Work Miracles" is Wells's socialist conviction that innovative and liberated ideas must challenge societal norms. Yet, the narrative's pessimistic conclusion—marked by Fotheringay's unintentional destruction of the universe—serves as a stark reminder of humanity's restraints. Wells presents a speculative and analytical examination of these themes, suggesting that human nature itself is the greatest obstacle to genuine progress.

Through this imaginative tale, Wells encapsulates his belief in the malleability of reality and the inherent risks within human endeavors. Although the theme of global dissolution is treated with humor, the story resonates as a cautionary tale, particularly poignant to readers navigating the uncertainties of the nuclear age. "The Man Who Could Work Miracles" stands as a testament to the recurring motif in Wells's oeuvre: the intricate dance between human ambition and the immutable forces of nature.