Last week we briefly considered the character of David Strorm.

Today, we look at two of my favourite people in this book, Rosalind and Uncle Axel. Who is Rosalind? What role does she play? Like David, Rosalind is a telepath; so, she has a big secret and this defines her conduct. Mr Strorm and Mr Morton, Rosalind's father are enemies, even though they are half-brothers. They are constantly sniping at each other. I am sure that you remember the quarrel between them concerning the great horses. The district in which they live has a high normality rate, the result of the close watch that the brothers keep on each other's crops and animals. This, however, does not lessen the acrimony between them. What it does is curtail the open association which would, no doubt, have existed between David and Rosalind, who love each other. Fortunately, for them, because of their mutant gift, the ability to make thought shapes, they are able to be in contact at any time they choose. Strong and responsible Rosalind grows into a beautiful young woman, strong and responsible. David describes her as tall and slim with silky bronze-gold hair. Some persons would, I believe, have found her cold. You see, those who were thought of as 'not being in the image of God' had to be very careful, constantly on the alert so that their secret would remain hidden. They would not have wanted to get too close to non-mutants for fear of jeopardising their safety. You do remember, don't you, how worried the group of telepaths is when one of their numbers, Anne, decide to marry Alan? They know that intimacy with someone who does not have their capacity could lead to the revelation of their status. We are told that Rosalind had deliberately equipped herself to face the hostile world into which she was born and had cultivated an aloof aura. Think of it: as an attractive young woman, she would have aroused the interest of several men. Since her parents may have chosen her partner, she may have had difficulty saying 'no' to a Norm. So she pre-empted the situation by being unapproachable. Actions speak louder We gain knowledge of Rosalind, not only through what David says about her but, more important, through what she does. I say this because David's love for her could have caused him to exaggerate her good qualities, but her actions are reliable witnesses. She proves herself to be practical, smart, resourceful and capable. She works out a scheme to keep people at a distance by being stand-offish; she packs carefully the necessities for her escape to the Fringes; and she steals her father's great horses. These animals prove to be of great benefit to them for, despite carrying the three of them (one of the horses) and their belongings, the horses can travel rapidly and over extremely rugged terrain. She is the one who also chooses a route designed to hide their trail, thus slowing down whatever pursuit there was to be. Her bravery cannot be questioned. When the deviational creature killed Petra's pony and she comes to find it confronting David, she does not run away or climb a tree. Instead, as Michael, she shoots it. Of course, her courage is underscored when she kills the man who is tracking them. Notice that she does not wake David for him to defend them. She does not like the fact that she had to take a life, but she does what she sees as her duty. Immediately after, her sensitivity, decency and respect for life are brought out when she

becomes distraught at what she has done. She is in anguish and even her thought become "muddled and distorted". ... Oh, I didn't want to do it, David, but what else could I do ... ? Her eyes were full of tears. I put my arms round her, and let her cry on my shoulder. Accepting their nature I cannot leave this discussion without pointing out the difference between Mrs Strorm and Rosalind's mother, regarding the treatment of David and Rosalind, respectively. The idea of Mrs Morton helping her daughter to pack to get out of Waknuk to safety shocked David. That her mother could have suspected her 'mutant' nature and accept it was amazing. We know that his mother would not have done the same. This tells us that there were probably others like her and Uncle Axel there who do not agree with their society, but kept quiet.

Uncle Axel - lesson 26

Beryl Clarke, Contributor Some of us treat opportunity like sand. We fill our hands with it, and then let it slip through our fingers until it is gone. It is sad that the above happens; that we sometimes waste the chances we get to become independent and worthwhile citizens of this nation and the world. I want to believe that all of you who make use of the lessons in the The Gleaner's YouthLink are steady, focused and goal-oriented. We have not finished our discussion of Uncle Axel and, today, I want to direct your attention to the following: Uncle Axel sees the danger that Anne's determination to marry Alan Ervin presents. He points this out to David and urges him to try to dissuade Anne from such a union. He casts doubt on some of the teaching and beliefs of the Church and their society, particularly in regard to their attitude to their ancestors, for he raised the fact that the old people must have made mistakes for tribulation to fall on them. As young as David was then, he was able only to understand some of what Uncle Axel told him, but he did grasp the idea that the essential quality that makes a man a man is not his physical form, for example, four hands or overly long limbs, but his mind. His aim was to reassure David about his ability to communicate through thought shapes, to convince him that nothing was wrong with him and, in fact, to stop him from asking God to take away this special capability. He convinces David not to run away from home and points out the danger he would face if he were to do so. He is an independent thinker. He realises that Petra is a telepath. He is alert and recognises the evil apparent in Alan. He kills Alan in order to protect David and his fellow telepaths. In the final discussion between David and himself, he is his usual caring self, concerned about the growing interest in the group and wondering about its cause. He promises to find out about Jerome Skinner because David wonders if he could be the source of the suspicion that has been raised.

Cold and distant How do you feel about Mr Strorm? We have already decided that as a father, he is not good. He is stiff, cold and distant. He rules his household with an iron hand, using his authority to keep his family and, no doubt, his employees under subjection. His home is joyless. There are children here but do they play together? Can you imagine their father allowing them to romp and make noise in his house? I can't. David says that Mr Wender seems to have considered killing him to protect Sophie who is a mutant. Mr Strorm would be more likely to denounce his son than to shield him from harm. Even though we do not see as much of Sophie's family as we do of David's, it is obvious that the writer creates a contrast between these two families. Do you remember the love that was demonstrated in the Wender family, the way Mr Wender lifts and hugs his daughter? He doesn't blame his beloved wife for bearing a child with an extra toe on each foot. He doesn't quarrel when they have to leave their home and attempt to get to safety. On the other hand, Mr Strorm turns his back on his mutant brother and as was brought up in an earlier lesson, he accompanies those who hunt down David, Rosalind and Petra. Constant bickering Mr Strorm is cruel and shows no love for any member of his family. He beats David mercilessly. He treats his sister-in-law with harshness and disdain. He is quarrelsome as is made clear in the constant bickering between him and his brother-in-law. He is convinced of the rightness of their religious beliefs and practices and does all in his power to maintain human, animal and plant purity. Mark you, he is a successful, therefore a prosperous farmer. He manages his wealth well, provides the material support for those who live under his roof and offers religious instruction and example to them as well. His dream is not to be happy or for his family to be happy, but to have perfect children, perfect animals and perfect plants - to return to the image of the same old people who had brought disaster to their world. He, like some others, and unlike Uncle Axel, does not analyse or even think seriously about the past that they yearn for so desperately. In that way, they make their present painful and unattractive.

Major characters in 'The Chrysalids'

Beryl Clarke, Contributor The rungs of the ladder of success are not meant to be rested on, but to support us until we are able to climb higher. We will now spend some time discussing the major characters in The Chrysalids. It should come as no surprise that we will first consider our narrator, David. When our story begins, David is still a child. He is not happy and does not feel comfortable in his own home. It is for this reason, plus the fact that the sister nearest in age to him was five years older, that he finds places to be alone. We can see too, that like some children, he tries to avoid work. From the very first sentence of the novel we learn that there is something 'different' about him. I am sure you know that here I am referring to his dreams about a place that may have existed at one time and about which his eldest sister, Mary, warned him not to speak. Then, soon after, he informs us of the 'understanding' he has with his cousin, Rosalind. This, of course, concerns their telepathic ability.

What sort of child was he? He says of himself that he "was a normal little boy, growing up the normal way, taking the ways of the world about me for granted". He seems normal when he meets and plays with Sophie, warm, playful and kind, but, according to the rules of his society, he was not behaving as required. He related to her without prejudice, disregarding her extra toes. He demonstrated care and concern for a fellow person when Sophie was hurt and did not seek to report her for something over which she had no control. David - a hero We find out much about David through his interaction with Sophie. In fact, he proves to be a hero in the following ways: He treats Sophie like a normal human being, making her his friend and keeping her secret. He tries to protect her from Alan. He tries to wipe out the prints made by her feet and goes so far as to attack Alan to give her time to get away, and this he does in spite of the fact that he knows that he cannot beat Alan. He sleeps at the Wender home alone, even though he is afraid. He does this so that Sophie and her parents could escape from Waknuk. Although, he "felt sick with fright", he does not willingly reveal anything about Sophie. His father beat him savagely to extract the information the 'norms' wanted.

Please do not believe that he is a coward because he fears his father. From our reading of The Chrysalids, we know that Mr Strorm was a rigid, harsh, cold individual and father. David's heroism is made obvious when, despite his fear, he does not act traitorously. His courage is later displayed when he tries to protect Rosalind from his uncle. Think of the risk he runs when he attacks the man who is leader of the Fringe people. His concern for Rosalind, who breaks down before Gordon, is so strong that he discounts the danger to himself. Remember, too, that although he is threatened with death if he dares to return after he is thrown out of the village, he does re-enter and gets a beating. David is a loving child who receives little love in his home. His father exhibits no paternal consideration, his mother seems too afraid to protect him and what comfort he receives in his home comes from his sister, Mary. What he knows about love in a family is from observing the Wenders. Yet, he does love Petra and Rosalind. He shares a deep and very special relationship with Rosalind and is prepared to protect her and Petra. Sense of responsibility His sense of responsibility is also admirable. We see it in operation in his friendship with Sophie and his interaction with his fellow telepaths. He agrees with Michael that it might become necessary to kill Petra and Rosalind as a duty, something that only he could do to save them both from a bitter future. You should have finished your second reading of this text by now. Please ensure that you keep a record of the information in these lessons. I suggest, too, that you write down the pages on which you can find supporting evidence about the characters and other aspects of the work as we discuss them.

The climax of The Chrysalids

Beryl Clarke, Contributor The last time we discussed The Chrysalids, we were considering the developments that lead to the story's climax. We have looked at eight points so far and now we will continue. 9. As David's party moves deeper into wild country, they recognise just how much the vegetation has deviated from that which is seen as 'normal' in Waknuk. Petra speaks regularly with her new friend, who is on her way to rescue them because of Petra herself. This lady from Sealand recognises how powerful Petra's telepathic ability is and places great value on it. Do you see the contrast that this creates between the two societies? In one, Petra is unwelcome, taken as a threat. In another, she would, no doubt, be a celebrity as the lady categorises her as 'special'. Michael had earlier said that Petra was to be protected at all cost. He feared that if she is captured, she would reveal the names of all the telepaths. This is not because he thinks that she is disloyal but, seeing that she is very young, the adults who are opposed to them would have little difficulty finding out all they want to know from her. 10. The people who live in the Fringes do so under very poor conditions. This we learn when David and the girls are caught and taken there. David's uncle is the leader there. Through him, as well as the man who took them to the village of the Fringe people, the writer shows us just how cruel Storm and his kind are. We must not, however, lose sight of the fact that some of the mutants are evil, too, driven by hatred and the desire for revenge. 11. David's uncle, Gordon, resolves to keep Petra, his niece, and Rosalind, who is to become his woman. He has David thrown out of the village and threatens him with death if he dares to return. Naturally, David tries, is beaten up and thrown out again. It is at this point that Sophie (remember her?) re-surfaces. When her parents had fled with her from Waknuk, they had been caught. She had been sterilised, in other words, rendered incapable of bearing children and found refuge in the Fringes. She now rescues David. 12. Sophie commits murder in order to take Petra and Rosalind to safety while the men of the village are away fighting. Her grief and rage at the unfairness of life come out when she looks at Rosalind and thinks of the differences between them. Rosalind is wearing 'good' clothes; she has on rags. Rosalind can bear children; having been mutilated, she cannot. Rosalind is loved by David; no one really loves her - she cares for Gordon, but he desires a relationship with one who can bear him children.

13. Michael, like David, Rosalind and Petra are saved. Michael, showing tremendous courage, responsibility and determination, goes back to Waknuk to rescue Rachel while the others are taken to Sealand. It is his intention to join them in Sealand. Let us pause for a bit here. I believe that you must have been saying to yourselves that those who would welcome the telepaths are good people. So, how does the murder and destruction wreaked by the Sealander strike you? What is the writer telling us? That all human beings are alike? Please discuss this incident thoroughly in your study groups. 14. There is great joy among the telepaths from Waknuk when they arrive in Sealand. It is likely that they had anticipated what life would be like in their new home, but the reality,

even before they landed, was overwhelming. Petra's outburst did not only affect her companions, but the population of the city. This clearly informs everyone there that she is special.

The Chrysalids
Beryl Clarke, Contributor For most teachers, it is terrifying to witness unleashed ignorance. (Borrowed.) Please benefit, therefore, from your teachers' experience and wisdom, their leadership and their encouragement. Now, we will carry on with our discussion of the developments in The Chrysalids. 3. Rosalind, Petra and David flee for their lives from their home in Waknuk to the Fringes. Their community has found out that they, like Sally and Katherine, are different and they are immediately seen as dangerous. Let us consider our own society where anyone and anything different arouses suspicion. (This is very evident in our country today). Would we have acted in a better way? I doubt it. They want to discover what the difference means to their society and will do whatever it takes to do so. In their determination to discover what threat the telepaths pose, they torture Katherine. You see, because the society sees them as deviants, they are not considered to have been made in God's image. It is their duty, therefore, to isolate and root them out. Are you wondering how anyone could be so cruel in the name of religion? All you have to do is to look at the ongoing religious conflicts in our world at present and you will have to conclude that the author is not writing something that is far-fetched. 4. Rosalind's strength of character and leadership qualities emerge as they begin the journey away from Waknuk. Mark you, in his description of her, David had given us the impression that she was smart and very capable. While David made scanty preparations to flee if necessary, she is ready to leave, having, with her mother's assistance, put together necessities for a journey. Why does she steal her father's great horses? She must have thought that they are easily recognisable, yet she takes them. Consider the advantages these horses bring on their flight. She must have packed food too! She is ready for the possibility of attack and so has her bow and arrows with which, as we know, she is competent. As David realises, she has put thought into the matter. She decides on the escape route, organises a system for keeping watch and eventually has to kill the man who threatens their safety. 5. Michael's ability has not been discovered and he is able to give David, Rosalind and Petra very useful information. He offers sensible advice. He later joins one of the posses that is searching for the three escapees and is thereby able to keep his friends abreast of what the pursuers are doing. 6. Petra is contacted by a woman from Zealand. John Whyndham uses Petra as the source through which the telepaths from different regions (Zealand and Labrador) learn about each other. Now we understand his reason for creating a character with that much power. Of course, we also enjoy the effect produced by the fact that it is the smallest and youngest of the group who is given this ability.

7. Do you remember David's dream about which he told us in the very first chapter of this book? Yes, you should, for to him they were of a place that did not exist. In addition, his sister Mary had warned him not to speak about such dreams to anyone else, even though she suggests that such a city may have existed before Tribulation. Imagine how he feels now to have his young sister, Petra, pass on a description about a place which resembles closely the one about which he used to dream. This would have laid a foundation for David's acceptance of the stranger with whom Petra converses in thought shapes. 8. Earlier, I asked you to assess the value of the great horses to the runaways' trip. Their size makes it possible to travel quickly and over difficult terrain. Father Strorm had wanted to have the horses destroyed. What a waste that would have been! The writer shows us through them -the horses - that different does not necessarily mean bad. Here we can see that it is a pity that the telepaths were not recognized as bringing a new dimension to life and allowed to add variety to their society.

The Chrysalids

Beryl Clarke, Contributor Today, we return to our discussion of The Chrysalids. I hope that you have found time to read the book. Do remember that each text should be read at least three times. Each time you reread a text, your knowledge and understanding of it will grow. In our previous lesson on this work, we considered some of the difficulties faced by the telepaths. Now we have another factor to think about - the constant danger posed by Anne's marriage to Alan. Have you noticed how the writer prepares us for the trouble with Alan? It is he who sees David with his friend Sophie and discovers that she is different - having an extra toe on each foot. He, unlike David, categorises her at once - as a mutant - and reports her to the inspector. One can, therefore, expect a problem to develop if he ever finds out that Anne is a mutant and that there are others like her. As feared, Alan and Anne do not enjoy a happy marriage, despite Anne's efforts to cut all ties with her fellow telepaths and pretend to be 'normal'. What is definitely worse is that Alan learns not only about his wife, but also the identities of others who possess similar ability. Before he could use his knowledge (no doubt for evil), however, he is killed. Justification of actions As you know, Uncle Axel continues to be the only adult in Waknuk who is broadminded enough to sympathise with and assist David and his group. It is he who removes the burden of providing a solution to the problem that Alan poses. At this point, we, as readers, come face to face with a dilemma, as we are to do later when the woman arrives from Zeeland. The question that faces us is whether Uncle Axel's action can be justified. All life is precious so, while we understand why Uncle Axel acts the way he does, we must wonder if another way could not have been found to protect David and his friends. Later, we will deal with the deaths of the people in the Fringes. The immediate effect of Alan's death is the suspicion that falls on the telepaths. Mark you, it is only Anne who believes that they are involved and so, when she commits suicide, and her sister destroys the incriminating letter she leaves

behind, all seems to be well. However, things will soon begin to spiral out of control. More on that in a while! There has been increasing trouble in Waknuk from those who are seen as non-humans. We learn that they exist under extremely difficult circumstances and often raid the settled areas of the country. The 'norms' have organised themselves to protect their lives and possessions, and sometimes capture members of the invading party. The writer is, thereby, able to engineer a meeting of David and his mutant uncle. The occasion underscores the divisiveness that the beliefs of the norms cause. Bond of hatred Here are two brothers whose only bond is hatred, hatred that has led to bitterness. David probably saw his uncle Gordon just as any other abnormal person until he learnt of their relationship. Do you think that he would have been very surprised at his father's reaction to the sight of his brother? What are some of the thoughts that you think he had concerning this situation? Why do you think that David is introduced to his uncle before he, himself, escapes to the Fringes? Now, we have a number of developments that must be considered as they take us swiftly to the climax. 1. Petra's power of communication is recognised as superior to that of the other telepaths. Her brother begins to teach her how to control it. This sets the stage for their eventual rescue, because she can make contact with others of their kind who live very, very far away. 2. Sally and Katherine are suddenly arrested. Even in their time of distress, their concern is for their fellow telepaths. This demonstrates a great difference between them and the norms who seem so very quick to condemn and punish.

Analysing characters
Beryl Clarke, Contributor Our focus this week is on that small group of girls and boys - Mutants - of which David and his cousin and girlfriend, Rosalind, are a part. This group is linked because they possess what we refer to as telepathy. To them, communicating by thought shapes is as easy as we find talking or breathing. There are eight of them, excluding Walter Brent (a distant relation of David), who had been killed. The other six are Michael, Sally, Katherine, Mark and the two sisters, Anne and Rachel. These children are set apart from their society in the sense that they possess an ability that no one else has. There are a few others whose capacity is so limited that it is insignificant. They have instinctively, and in David's case with warnings from his sister and Uncle Axel, learnt to keep silent about this difference between them and the Norms. Hard situation The situation in which the telepaths find themselves is not an easy one. As young as they are, they have to ensure that their secret remains just that - a secret. Their parents couldn't know; they probably had to lie to protect themselves and often must be tense and

frightened. Two things then happen that seriously affect them. One is the discovery that Petra, David's younger sister, has the same power of communication, but in vastly superior strength. The other is that Anne decides to marry Alan, who is not only an unlikable fellow, but is also not a member of their set. There are consequences, of course, of both situations. The telepaths immediately see the danger of such a relationship to Anne. She is, however, too much in love to admit that she could never be herself if she marries Alan; nor could she see the problems that would arise because of the difference between them. This forces us to realise that the attitude of the society towards mutants creates problems even for those who are not openly known. Difficult situation Such a mindset leads to divisions, hatred, disappointment, fears, even cruelty and death. Can you understand why Anne thinks that she cannot put her mutant power above her desire to marry Alan? She tells us that there are two more females than males in their group and those two females would not be able to find husbands who are like them. What would you do if you were to find yourself in a similar situation? The telepaths do not get together by choice, ever! You may ask, why not? Becoming united does seem the logical step to take so that they can provide support for each other and become friends. But no, there is a downside. If they begin to associate, they are likely to draw unwanted interest to themselves, and remember they can be in touch any time they want to be. Can you imagine how Mr Strorm would react if he were to learn that his son and the daughter of his enemy are meeting, especially since there is no obvious link between them? How could any member of this faction explain why they get together without lying and arousing suspicion? Just think of what happens when Jerome Skinner sees some of them as they went to Petra's assistance. He behaves as if they are doing something wrong. Apparently, he does not accept their explanation for being there. Questions We learn this later when Joe Darnley begins to ask questions, and afterwards when Katherine and Sally are arrested. Although we do not have conclusive proof, it seems, from what Michael says, that Skinner is responsible for this development. If he [Jerome Skinner] is the source then he must have put his suspicions before the inspector in this district who will have handed it in as a routine report to the inspector in yours. That'll mean that several people are wondering about it already and there'll be questions going on here about Sally and Katherine ... Do notice how well organised the Norms are in their zeal to root out blasphemies! They do have a problem in this case though, for one cannot look at a telepathic Mutant or hear him speak and know that he is different. These Mutants have to give themselves away. Unfortunately, this does not prevent them from feeling out of place or even from suffering because, as in Anne's situation, they can never be open and totally honest with anyone outside of their immediate circle.

Relationship between characters

Beryl Clarke, Contributor

Good day to you. I trust that you considered the question of whether the people of Waknuk could be considered happy, as I asked you to do. In doing so, you would have to examine the relationship between parents - mothers and fathers - between parents and children and among neighbours. As you go through this work, try to find out if there are friendships among the norms and whether worship is a happy, celebratory experience. Last week, we were examining Mrs Strorm's attitude to her sister and, we will start there today. In describing Harriet's baby, Emily uses words such as 'monster' and 'that', along with a cold, condemnatory tone. It puzzles me how she who had suffered from the harsh consequences of the law could behave in this fashion. Mark you, she is not as self-righteous as her husband, Joseph, but she does very little to soften his severe attitude on most matters. When David is beaten unmercifully by his father for any misdemeanour, it is his sister, Mary, who attends to him. Emily cries It is she who also tries to comfort him on these occasions. After Harriet's disastrous visit, however, Emily does cry. One wonders whether she does because she feels pain for her sister, or because she is in an emotional state (her baby was only one week old) or because her husband had reminded her that she, too, had lost two children when they failed to qualify for that all-important certificate. This now brings us to the question of what happens to babies who do not get the certificate. Do you remember what happened to Daker's cat? It was killed by Joseph Strorm because he thought that it was a deviation and not normal. He, as a magistrate, had the right to do so, but what is noticeable is just how intolerant he was in that matter. He was so certain that he was right that he disposed of the animal before he received conclusive information about it. It turned out, as you know, that the cat was normal, but not of a breed with which Mr Strorm was familiar. So, what happens to the mutant babies? Are they killed outright or left to die in the Fringes? I believe that you remember that the inspector does tell David that blasphemies are not treated in the same way as offences. He does not, however, say how! It does not matter what method was used to rid their community of blasphemies. What is important is that we realise how cruel they are - in the name of religion. And now this brings us back to contemplation of whether the norms of Waknuk are happy. We can say that as they are doing what they think pleases God, they must be happy. On the other hand, it seems unlikely that people who are constantly on the watch for something or anything a little different from what is considered acceptable in man, beast or plant can be happy. It must have created severe strain among neighbours and, as for the Inspector, it is quite likely that he was hated. We can get the answer from examining the relationship between Angus Morton and Joseph Strorm , the Inspector and Joseph Strorm, David's unhappiness at home, particularly with his father, and Alan's conduct. Uncle Axel There is one other character, mentioned earlier, to whom I would like you to pay special attention. He is Uncle Axel. Although he lives among the norms, his philosophy of life is

different from theirs. He thinks and applies reason to situations and, therefore, is the voice of sanity in a place where fear and superstition are strong. I hope you have noticed that he has been broadened by experience, something that the others in Waknuk sorely lack. David shares an extraordinary relationship with Uncle Axel. Please reflect on why this is so. Let me suggest that you make a list of the things Uncle Axel says and does in your notebook. Beside each, put the page or pages on which you find the supporting facts. You should do this, in fact, for all the characters as it will assist you when you come to revise.

Societies and their differences

Beryl Clarke, Contributor Some of us treat opportunity like sand We fill our hands with it, and then let it slip through our fingers. Your opportunities must be grasped and used to build your future. In last week's lesson we started our exploration of The Chrysalids, and at the end I promised that we would continue by looking at the differences and similarities between the society in the story and our time. DIFFERENCES 1. If someone had a dream of something alien to their society, that person could not speak of it because he or she could be seen as different, perhaps as a mutant. 2. Being left-handed caused disapproval. 3. Having an extra toe or two could get one into trouble as it was considered 'hateful in the sight of God'. 4. There are some things called 'offences'; things which did not look right. That is to say they did not look like their human parents or parent plant or parent animal. Usually, there was only a small difference but, however much or little, it was considered an 'offence' in plant or animal. If it was a human, then it was seen as 'blasphemy', at least that was the technical term, though commonly referred to as 'deviations'. 5. The devil is the father of deviation. 6. Deviations lived in the Fringes. 7. The Badlands are beyond the Fringes and nothing was known about that area. SIMILARITIES 1. There are rules and regulations that govern how people live.

2. There is an established government. 3. People believe that there is a God and a devil. 4. Some people are rigid in their beliefs. 5. People live in family groups. 6. Farming is a way of making a living. (It was the main way in Waknuk.) 7. Children enjoy playing. 8. Children are not naturally prejudiced - it is something they learn from adults. 9. Some parents love their children despite any physical irregularity. Important words We have met five important words so far in this text and their meanings help us to begin to have an understanding of the story. They are given below with their meanings. Tribulation: great affliction, terrible trouble, great disaster. Mutant: someone who has undergone genetic change. Fringe: outer limit or area; unimportant area or part. Deviation: something or someone that is different from that which is normal. Blasphemy: irreverent talk or treatment of a religious or sacred thing. These are words that are significant in the post-nuclear disaster world. Their world is divided between those who seem untouched by the catastrophe and others with obviously altered genes, which they pass on to their children. The main body of inhabitants believe that life before affliction or disaster had been good, much better than the one they currently live. However, I want you to notice that tribulation had fallen upon them, that is, the old people. Isn't it ironic that the modern people who are determined to be pure and avoid any further sin should want to return to the ways of the old people? It is David's father, Joseph, who says "Our ancestors were of the true stock", implying that their ancestors were perfect. It certainly never enters his head to wonder why they had faced disaster and their way of life was destroyed, if they had been such perfect images of God. Closed minds Some of the characters we meet in The Chrysalids have closed minds. They are judgemental, constantly watching each other - their crops and animals and even the words they speak. This is in an attempt to ensure the purity of the civilization. Joseph Strorm is especially guilty. He is a fanatic, confident that his opinions are right. He was proven wrong

in the case of Daker's cat, but still remains pompous. Later, when we learn that his brother is a mutant (as is his own son), according to their law, we have to wonder if he is so inflexible because he is afraid that if he compromises, members of the community may become suspicious of him. This could also explain why he goes to such lengths to destroy any deviation on his farm. His wife, too, is unyielding, as is evidenced in the manner in which she handles her sister, Harriet, in her time of severe stress and pain. Harriet gave birth to a baby with a slight physical flaw and, therefore, could not get a certificate which would declare her to be a human being. While we may think of Harriet's request and intention as dishonest, we cannot but realise that Emily is harsh and unfeeling in the way she responds.

'The Chrysalids' - unforgettable

Beryl Clarke, Contributor This week we begin our study of John Whyndham's thought-provoking work, The Chrysalids. This is a story that I do not believe you will be able to forget. It deals with society, the way people live, just as other novels do. But what a way to live! The Chrysalids is told by a boy/young man, David Strorm. His father is one of the leading citizens in a society that insists that everyone and everything must be physically and mentally alike, exactly alike. No person, animal or plant that is different can be tolerated there. Now we know that such a rigid belief cannot but lead to problems. This science fiction follows David's life from childhood to young adulthood and tells of a world after Tribulation (Nuclear Holocaust) in which one group of persons, bound by strict laws, live together. The laws are designed to ensure the purity of the surviving race. In the very first chapter, David meets a girl (Sophie), who according to the tenets of Waknuk - his home settlement - is not normal, and strikes up a friendship with her and her parents. Sophie's secret Although he had been brought up and still lives in a home where anything different is hated, he neither hesitates to keep Sophie's secret nor does he reveal his knowledge to his family. Remember, that his society operates on the principle that all humans are made in the image of God and because Sophie has six toes on each foot she is considered a deviation and not acceptable in Waknuk. It is, therefore, his duty to report her to his father or someone else. The fact that he does not, raises some questions. Is it that he does not agree with the beliefs of the adults? Does he consider two small extra toes as 'no big thing'? Is it that, as a child, he only sees Sophie as a playmate, a companion and ignores her difference? Please consider his possible reasons. Abnormality We learn soon enough too, that David himself has a secret, a condition that he shares with a few other children in his community. If their abnormality were known, they too would have been in trouble. The situation is worsened by the fact that his father, Joseph, is a rigid, cold, humourless and highly religious man.

Conflict between his father and a neighbour, (Uncle Axel, his father's half brother), attacks from the Fringes (the land where those who were different live), cruel and inhumane treatment, unexpected developments, romance, flight, fight and a last-minute dramatic rescue combine to make an unforgettable narrative. Does this make you want to read the book now? I like this story, and I think you will too! Here are some topics for discussion: a) prejudice b) parenting c) religious extremism d) youthful conduct. Let us now look at some of the things we learn from the first two chapters. The society believes that it is pure and must maintain its purity in order to survive. As a result, it has set up Purity Laws. From infancy, it is drummed into David and his peers that: Only the image of God is man Keep pure the stock of the Lord Blessed is the Norm IN OUR PURITY IS OUR SALVATION

Dreams But our narrator has dreams that include buildings, machines and the sea - all of which he has never seen. So we begin to wonder if David is dissatisfied with life as he knows it and yearns for something different. His sister's response when he inquires about the location of the city of which he dreams leads us to other questions. For she, having told him that perhaps he dreams of "the wonderful world" that the Old People had lived in as it had been before God sent Tribulation, went on to warn him "very seriously" not to tell anyone else of his dreams. Here we encounter a mystery. Who are the "Old People" and what is "Tribulation"? From this point on, we discover facts about the society which suggest that it is different, very different from ours, and yet there are similarities.

More on The Chrysalids

By Beryl Clarke, Contributor WE CONTINUE our work on THE CHRYSALIDS, today. I hope you found time to read or reread this text as is necessary for you. At the end of our last lesson, I asked you to find out the meanings of five words and to think of how the writer uses them. I want to make sure that you do get a clear understanding of them, so here they are with their meanings. Tribulation: great affliction, terrible trouble, great disaster. Mutant: someone or something that has undergone genetic change.

Fringe: outer limit or area, unimportant area or part. Deviation: something or someone that is different from that which is normal, Blasphemy: irreverent talk or treatment of a religious or sacred thing, TRIBULATION As we continue our examination of this novel, we must bear in mind the fact that it is set in a place which has suffered a catastrophe out of which some survivors and their descendants have come with altered genes. How do we know this? We do from Uncle Axel's description of the Badlands. He tells us that great, big tracts of land are completely barren and that where there is vegetation, it is unlike what is normal in Waknuk. Those whose genes were affected by the disaster, passed on changes to their offspring. It appears that the majority of the population believes that before the affliction, life had been good, much better than the one they currently enjoy. I want you, however, to notice that TRIBULATION had fallen on the OLD PEOPLE. Don't you think that it is ironic that the modern people who are determined to be PURE and avoid any sin should want to return to the ways of their ancestors (old people)? It is David's father, Joseph, himself who says, "Our ancestors were of the true stock", implying that the ancestors were perfect. It never enters his mind to wonder why if they were such perfect images of God they had faced disaster to the extent that they and their way of life had been destroyed. A PURE SOCIETY Have you realised that some of the characters we meet in THE CHRYSALIDS have closed minds? They are judgmental, constantly watching each other, that is, each other's crops and animals, each other's children, their actions and even words. Why they behave in this way is a question that must have occurred to you. The answer is simple. They are determined that their society must remain PURE. Joseph Strorm is especially bent on this. He is a fanatic, certain that his opinions are right. Even though he is proven wrong in the case of Daker's cat, he is still pompously sure that his position is correct. Later, when we learn that his brother is a mutant, according to their law, we may wonder if his rigidity comes from the fear that his fellow citizens are suspicious of him. This would perhaps explain why Mr. Strorm makes every effort to destroy any and all deviations. Please take note of the fact that his wife also seems to be an inflexible person, as is evidenced in her treatment of her sister, Harriet. Was she naturally like this, or is this attitude because of her husband? Harriet has a baby who cannot get her certificate because she has a slight flaw. Now remember, without that certificate the child would be taken away from its mother and would neither be seen nor heard of again. While we may consider Harriet's request and intention as dishonest, we must see how harsh and unfeeling Emily is in her response to her sister. Let us look at how she describes the baby. In cold condemnatory terms, she refers to her niece as "it", "monster" and "that". Mark you, she is not as self-righteous as her husband, but she does very little to soften his attitude to most matters. THE FATE OF DEVIANTS Think of this, too. When David is beaten by his father mercilessly or otherwise - for any misdemeanour, it is his sister, Mary, who attends to him, not his mother. On the occasion of Harriet's unfortunate visit, however, Emily cries. We may wonder whether it is out of pain for her sister, out of remembered grief for her two children, similarly "taken away" (of which

her husband reminds her when she now breaks down) or because she is in an emotional state, having given birth to another child only one week before this incident. This now brings us to the question of what happened to those babies who received no certificates. Daker's cat is killed because Joseph Strorm did not recognise it as normal, but decrees that it is a deviation. He, as a magistrate, has the right to do so but what is noticeable is how intolerantly he acts in the matter. He is so certain that he is right that he disposes of the animal before he receives conclusive information about it. It turns out, as you know, that it was normal, but not of a breed with which Mr. Strorm is familiar. Before we have our next "class", I am asking you to decide whether in your estimation Waknuk is a happy place.

Looking at The Chrysalids

By Beryl Clarke, Contributor I PRESUME that you have been working on the poem that I set you last week. Today, however, we are going to begin considering The Chrysalids by John Wyndham. This is an exciting novel and an enjoyable one, too, as you will discover, if you have not yet read it. Our story follows the life of David Strorm, the narrator, from childhood to young manhood. For some readers The Chrysalids is science fiction. For others, it is a parable about religion, but these are views that you should examine as you aim at coming to a good understanding of the text. The basic story tells of a world under Tribulation in which one group of people live together, bound by strict laws. The society operates on the principle that ALL human beings are made in the image of God. If you are not exactly like everyone else, then God did not make you, and you are not human. This then means that a woman who is different in any way, is physically altered so that she cannot have children. Furthermore, these so-called 'nonhumans' are not allowed to live among the human beings. David meets a little girl and they become friends, in spite of the fact that in the eyes of his society she is thought of as nonhuman. Naturally, he keeps this relationship a secret from his family and friends but this is not his only secret. What happens to him as he grows up and as it becomes more difficult for him to protect his secrets, makes for very good reading. We are now going to take a look at Chapters One and Two. David introduces himself by telling us that as a small child he used to have dreams about the sea, strange buildings and machines that he has never seen in real life. The question of why he has such dreams then enters our minds. Is our narrator a visionary or is he dissatisfied with life and anxious to have something different? His sister's response when he asks her where this city of which he dreams is, leads us to other questions, for she tells him that perhaps he was dreaming of "the wonderful world that the Old People had lived in; as it had been before God had sent Tribulation" and warns him "very seriously" not to tell anyone else of his dreams. Here we encounter a mystery. Who are the "Old People" and what is "Tribulation"? From here on, we hear facts about the society-some of which create a picture of a place that is very unlike ours. And yet there are similarities. We will look at some of these together. DIFFERENCES * One has to be careful to whom one tells one's dreams. * Being a left-hander causes disapproval.

* Having an extra toe or two, or an extra finger or two, can get one into trouble "as hateful in the sight of God". * There is something called an OFFENCE. It is something or someone who does not look RIGHT-that is to say, does not look like his parents or parent-plant. Usually there is only a small thing wrong, but however much or little is wrong, it is an Offence. If it happened among people, it is a Blasphemy-at least that is the technical term, although both kinds are called Deviations." * THE DEVIL IS THE FATHER OF DEVIATION. * Deviations (those who look like people but are not) live in the Fringes. (Do think about this name.) * The Badlands lie beyond the Fringes and nothing is known about them. SIMILARITIES * There are rules and regulations that govern how people live. * There is an established government. * People believe that there is a God and a devil. * Some citizens are rigid and inflexible in their beliefs. * Farming is a way of making a living. (It is their main source.) * Children enjoy playing. * Children are not naturally prejudiced towards others it is something they learn from adults. * Some parents love and care for their children in spite of the existing difficulties. Please do a small bit of research and some contemplation before we continue in our next lesson. Find out the meanings of the following words and consider what their use tells us about the citizens of Waknuk: tribulation, mutant, fringe, deviation and blasphemies.