The Chrysalids Lesson I.pdf

The ChrysalidsLesson 1

Introduction

Brief SummaryType 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 fiction

John Wyndham’s 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 don’t like this anymore than you do. i’ve 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 Triffids, 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 Wyndham’s times) affairs to strike a common chord with the readers

The Chrysalids’ Time Period

Use ultra-conservative religious views to create the conflict in his futuristic town of Waknuk

The situation and inhumanity are akin to the 1930-40’s persecution of Jews in Germany under Hitler, The Klu Klux Klan, and anti-white sentiments in certain areas of the United States

Setting

chrys·a·lis    (krs-ls)

n. pl. chrys·a·lis·es or chry·sal·i·des (kr-sl-dz)

1.& A pupa, especially of a moth or butterfly, enclosed in a firm case or cocoon.

2.& A protected/ sheltered stage of development/growth.

Latin: chrsallis, from Greek khrsallis, khrsallid-, gold-colored pupa of a butterfly, from khrsos, gold.

Setting of The Chrysalids

Based on the future a*er what happened to a place due to atomic nuclear devastation

Waknuk: 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 Waknuk 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, briefly outline a scenario of what would Waknuk be like

Main Conflicts

Main Conflicts 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 David’s dream?

Why can’t David te" anyone that Sophie has 6 toes?

Chapter 2

A glimpse of the values that Waknuk are based on

Only the Image of God is Man

Watch Thou for the Mutant

An introduction to Waknuk’s surroundings: the Badlands and Fringes

Thinking PointsWhat happens to a person who moves a" the way into the Badlands?

What is the cause of this?

Why didn’t 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

Signifies how the current Waknuk 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 IVIntroduction of Rosalind and “thought shapes”

An invasion by the Fringes, and saw that a man who was strangely interested in David

David’s father got into an argument with the inspector regarding his neighbours’ unusua"y large horses

Demonstrates how rigid David’s father is, and his strong dislike towards mutants

Thinking Points

How does Waknuk’s religion and its principles and how do these lead into actions that are not exactly principled

The blurred line between what’s right and what’s wrong

Eugenics

EugenicsApplied 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