The Chrysalids

Lesson 1

Introduction

Brief Summary
Type of Novel: Science Fiction Typical outcomes of Science Fiction novels: total destruction of a civilisation, total redemption, or a combination of both The Chrysalids was written in 1955 Critics ca"ed The Chrysalids speculative ction John Wyndhams novels usua"y do not focus on incredible and unbelievable developments in technology, but focus on how the people deal with the uncomfortable situations they are faced in

My dear, I said. I dont like this anymore than you do. ive put the alternative badly before you. Do we help those who have survived the catastrophe to rebuild some kind of life? (The Day of the Trids, p103, John
Wyndham)

Writing Techniques
He uses quotes to a"ow the reader to consider what the consequences would be, and also to work on the conscience of the receiving character. Focuses on the devotion and responsibility it would take to save civilisation as we now know it. Draws inspirations $om current (current $om John Wyndhams times) aairs to strike a common chord with the readers

The Chrysalids Time Period

Use ultra-conservative religious views to create the conict in his futuristic town of W aknuk The situation and inhumanity are akin to the 1930-40s persecution of Jews in Germany under Hitler, The Klu Klux Klan, and anti-white sentiments in certain areas of the United States

Setting

chrysalis (krs-ls) n. pl. chrysalises or chrysalides (kr-sldz) 1.& A pupa, especially of a moth or buttery, enclosed in a rm case or cocoon. 2.& A protected/ sheltered stage of development/ growth. Latin: chrsallis, from Greek khrsallis, khrsallid-, gold-colored pupa of a buttery, from khrsos, gold.

Setting of The Chrysalids

Based on the future a*er what happened to a place due to atomic nuclear devastation W aknuk: Quite a normal society The further you go away $om it, the worse the setting becomes Wild Country: 50% chance of having an animal breed genetica"y incorrect animals Fringes: Strange vegetation and people who roam the lands are outlaws Badlands: furthers the habitants of W aknuk know, and is depicted to be a black desert stretching for hunrdereds of miles wth not a single living thing to dot the landscape

Thinking Points
Imagine what life in Waknuk would be like, if a" technology has been destroyed by nuclear war and the only book salvaged $om the past is the bible Based on the previous point, briey outline a scenario of what would Waknuk be like

Main Conicts

Main Conicts
Hypocrisy, Bigotry, Ignorance Hypocrisy: pretending to be what one is not, or pretending to feel what one is not Bigotry: narrow-mindedness; a bigot holds blindly to an opinion and is intolerant of others Ignorance: state of unknowing -> draws para"elism to ignorance is bliss

Chapter 1 & II

Chapter I
Introduction to Waknuk, David Strorm, Sophie Wender, and Mrs. Wender Foreshadowing and Suspense through the conversation between David and Mrs. Wender

Thinking Points

Why did the novel begin with Davids dream? Why cant David te" anyone that Sophie has 6 toes?

Chapter 2
A glimpse of the values that W aknuk are based on Only the Image of God is Man W atch Thou for the Mutant An introduction to Waknuks surroundings: the Badlands and Fringes

Thinking Points
What happens to a person who moves a" the way into the Badlands? What is the cause of this? Why didnt the author te" the readers? Who lives in the Fringes? Why do they become a problem lately? What is the government doing about it Identify the $inges of our society. Draw the para"el.

Chapter III
David established a regular routine out of visiting Sophie David brought Sophie to see the steam engine Signies how the current W aknuk is actua"y going backwards. Visible tension between John and David David had a dream of Jospeh ki"ing Sophie

Thinking Points
How does technological advancement creates social change and how is this presented in the novel Explore the positive and negative aspects of technological advancements

Chapter IV
Introduction of Rosalind and thought shapes An invasion by the Fringes, and saw that a man who was strangely interested in David Davids father got into an argument with the inspector regarding his neighbours unusua"y large horses Demonstrates how rigid Davids father is, and his strong dislike towards mutants

Thinking Points

How does Waknuks religion and its principles and how do these lead into actions that are not exactly principled The blurred line between whats right and whats wrong

Eugenics

Eugenics
Applied science of the bio-social movement which advocates the use of practices aimed at improving the genetic composition of a population Mandatory eugenics, promotional voluntary eugenics, and private eugenics Criticisms: Diseases vs. traits Ethics Genetic diversity