Chrysilids Essay Example

(Wyndham 56) if they conform to the norms. This strict control leads to a pervasive atmosphere of fear and suspicion throughout the society, leaving no room for those who are different. Sadly, David's Aunt Harriet takes her own life along with her baby because the baby does not meet standards of perfection. Even David's mother describes the baby as "a monster" (Wyndham 70).

David’s friend Sophie and Joseph Strorm's brother both suffer the consequence of being different in a place called Waknuk. Sophie, with her six toes, is hidden away and ultimately banished to the Fringes with her parents. Likewise, Joseph Strorm's brother is forced to live in The Fringes due to a physical abnormality in his arms and legs. In Waknuk, anyone who deviates from the norm is not accepted - they must either hide or face banishment. This lack of acceptance and compassion results in a stagnant society that resists progress. New ideas or perspectives are disregarded, and the living conditions in Waknuk remain unchanged.

During their conversation with the Sea land Women, Rollen and David were told that Waknuk is seen as "The static, the enemy of change, is the enemy of life." (Wyndham 196). Waknuk's refusal to progress results in them being trapped in a stagnant way of life. The society's strict adherence to conformity and the belief that everything must align with "god's words" eliminates any form of intellectual thought. The people in Waknuk live in a sheltered environment, disconnected from the outside world, still engaging in an agricultural lifestyle and residing in old farms.

Cities were non-existent, despite David's dreams of finding such a place. When

he inquired with Mary about these cities, she responded by saying "there was no such place" (Wyndham 5). The only steam engine in the area was a solitary one, as "there wasn't another steam engine for miles" (Wyndham 24). This further emphasizes the isolation of Waknuk, which lacked external influences to introduce new ideas and consequently remained stagnant in their old ways, refusing to progress. John Wyndham's novel The Chrysalids effectively portrays the extent to which fear arises due to the absence of an individual's freedoms and rights.

The citizens of Waknuk demonstrate the absence of freedoms and rights. In The Chrysalids, Katherine suffers from torture because of her telepathic powers, emphasizing how intolerance and the denial of individuality result in violence. Deviant mutants, whether they are human or animal, face condemnation and are forced to endure miserable lives on the Fringes. They live segregated from society and are denied participation in the lifestyle enjoyed by the people of Waknuk.

The author asserts that the Fringe people suffered unjust condemnation, leading to a life of squalor and misery, despite their innocence. This intolerance towards differences underlines the dangers of extremism. Additionally, Waknuk's society is stagnant and resistant to change, hindering its progress. Living without personal rights or freedoms in such a society is not an authentic existence.

The Chrysalids is a powerful book that emphasizes the significance of civil and personal freedoms while cautioning against extremism. Waknuk's citizens, devoid of individual freedoms and rights, exist purely for survival, thus succumbing to fear. The novel consistently depicts the inseparability of paranoia and fear, which prevents any celebration or utilization of diversity. Comparing my

society in Canada to Waknuk emphasizes the gratitude I have for the freedoms we enjoy.