Which is the Desirable Society Essay Example

today, and David's inability to name these obvious machines suggests their absence within his community. Furthermore, David's unfamiliarity with transportation methods beyond horse-drawn carts highlights Waknuk's lack of knowledge.

The text highlights that Waknuk is a stagnant community that refuses to evolve. Despite the plot's progression, Waknuk remains unchanged and fails to recognize its faults. The community's resistance to change leaves them in a state of stagnation, hindering their growth as a nation. One possible reason for this resistance is their strong religious beliefs. Having witnessed God's punishment of the advanced Old People through Tribulation, Waknuk fears advancing their technology as it might offend God. In contrast, Sealand values progress and possesses a wide array of advanced machines and technologies, creating a pleasant living environment. Unlike Waknuk, Sealand does not blindly follow the path of the Old People, allowing them the freedom to expand their society.

This quote from Wyndham's novel showcases the fact that Sealand is a place of change and pride: "‘We are the New People…The people who can think-together. We're the people who are going to build a new kind of world– different from the Old People's world,…”’ (156). It demonstrates Sealand's advanced technology and their recognition of the need for further evolution. In this passage, Wyndham portrays Sealand as a technologically advanced society with small boats heading towards the harbour, a city dotted with white houses in green parks and gardens, and tiny vehicles sliding along wide, tree-bordered avenues. Additionally, a bright light blinks from a tower beside a square of green, and a fish-shaped machine floats to the ground.

(Wyndham, 199) The above quote highlights the stark contrast between Sealand and Waknuk,

emphasizing Sealand's advanced and progressive nature. Their rapid progress can be attributed to their telepathic abilities, allowing them to think collectively and move forward. The collective intelligence and collaboration of Sealand citizens contributes to their overall advancement. This is why Sealand is considered a more preferable place to live compared to Waknuk. In addition to technology, Waknuk is also unfavorable due to its discriminatory treatment of women, who are not regarded as equals. The male-dominated society in Waknuk determines whom a woman should marry and can easily abandon her at will.

The passage highlights the lack of agency for women and their undeserved blame, particularly when it comes to giving birth to a child considered blasphemous. Harriet pleads with Emily in hopes of saving her child, expressing fear that her baby will be taken away like previous ones. She dreads the thought of her husband Henry abandoning her for another woman who can provide him with "proper" children. This indicates that Henry views Harriet as unworthy due to delivering a nonconforming baby (Wyndham, 73).

Both parents contribute equally to the creation of a child, but only the mother faces consequences. Harriet lacks control over her child's fate and should not be judged unfairly. The mistreatment of women in Waknuk may stem from male individuals asserting superiority over females. These men perceive themselves as the superior gender and believe in subjugating women to maintain their dominant position. This male chauvinism likely originates from Waknuk's literal interpretation of the Old Testament, where patriarchal dominance is explicitly mentioned: "Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception;...and thy desire shall be to thy husband, and

he shall rule over thee." (Genesis 3:16).

The passage illustrates the portrayal of women as inferior and empowers men. However, this does not excuse the men's behavior and only serves to enhance the attractiveness of Sealand compared to Waknuk. In Sealand, both genders are treated with equal respect, with prejudice primarily based on telepathic abilities rather than gender. The people in Sealand consider themselves superior because they possess the ability to communicate telepathically and have a deeper understanding of each other. Petra's Sealand acquaintance is a woman holding a high-ranking position, which proves that gender does not result in discrimination. This is further supported by the following quote: "It was not simple to get permission to come."

The passage highlights the vast distance, which is more than double of any previous distance covered. The cost of sending the ship is deemed to be extremely high, making it hard to believe that it will be worth it. However, it will indeed prove to be valuable. This excerpt demonstrates the Sealand Lady's ability to propose crucial requests. While she may not hold the highest position, she possesses enough power to influence the council in her favor. The presumed reason for the equal treatment of women in Sealand is the strong mental connection that exists among the population.

In Sealand, men recognize and value the talents of women, and there is no need to belittle them. This fosters a peaceful balance and understanding among the people, making Sealand a wonderful place to live. In his novel, The Chrysalids, Wyndham depicts two societies: Sealand and Waknuk. Comparing these communities reveals that Sealand is the more desirable place to live. While Waknuk survives

with minimal technology and is resistant to change, Sealand is socially and technologically advanced, embracing progress. One key difference in Sealand is the widespread use of telepathy, which allows for collaboration and advancement.

Waknuk is a marginalized community characterized by its mistreatment of women, strict rules, and prejudices, which makes it an unpleasant place to live. On the other hand, Sealand is seen as an ideal society as it treats women fairly and respectfully. However, despite being more desirable, Sealand is not a perfect place. Though it does not discriminate against women, it still exhibits prejudice within its community. The Sealanders judge individuals based on their telepathic abilities and follow a rigid caste system where higher ability leads to a higher rank, while those without telepathy are treated with pity. In the conclusion of The Chrysalids, David, Rosalind, and Michael are not regarded as equals in comparison to Petra, who receives preferential treatment from the Sealanders. The Sealand Lady did not venture to the Fringes solely to rescue them but instead recognized the value of Petra's ability.

Upon arrival, she showed great excitement in taking Petra with her, but was relatively uninterested in the others. When Michael showed his worry for Rachel, the Sealand Lady refused to get her without any hesitation, causing Michael to remain in Waknuk in order to assist Rachel. Despite the imperfections of Sealand, it is undeniably a superior society when compared to Waknuk.