Essay On Religion In The Chrysalids

Religion and the Struggle of Morality

In John Wyndham’s sci-fi novel, The Chrysalids, the world is seen in a post-apocalyptic event in which religion is greatly valued. David understands that one must be moral rather than religious to survive in a world of chaos. For one to be moral, they must understand the difference between right and wrong. He believes all Deviants, those “hateful in the sight of God” (Wyndham 13), should not be despised. At a young age, David did not conform to the practices of his father, Joseph Strorm. David decides to view all Deviants, including himself, as equal. David’s choice set off a chain reaction that changes his life forever.

One particular moment in David’s life gives him a new perspective. When David visits the bank to play, he meets Sophie, a Deviant. David simply disregards this fact. As they play, David discovers her sixth toe, when her foot is stuck, because of this, he walks her to her house. David is strictly told not to tell anyone: “Nobody else must know. Nobody at all.” (12). Due to the conversation, David questions society’s norms: “The ways of the world were

very puzzling….” (14). Later, David wishes for a third hand, with his father, Joseph Strorm, warning David of the Mutants around him, “A thing accursed in the sight of God…” (27) Though “there was nothing [accursed] about Sophie” (15), which utterly confuses David. He realizes that his father’s views were not moral. They were solely based on religion and not one’s nature, which he did not agree with. In Waknuk, one must obey the rules or they can be persecuted. Thus, David sees this as a difficulty if he wants to survive in a world of chaos.
David’s changed view on life makes him rebellious to norms. Once David learns of Sophie, he befriends her, “You like her, don’t you?” (12), Mary Wender asks David. This is strictly forbidden in Waknuk, as Deviants are of the devil, because of this, David admits Sophie is not viewed as a Deviant to him (41), furthermore, he sees all Mutants and normals as equal. As a result, David strives to protect them. When Alan finds about the Sophie, David “flung [himself] on him” (44) because he knew that protecting Sophie from Alan was ethical. He envisions morality benefiting others rather than religion.
The Chrysalids shows the meaning of morality in a new perspective.

It allows many to analyze how the present society functions and if it relates at all to the book. Joseph Strorm assumes those who do not fit the Image of God, “[A] man should have one body, one head, two arms and two legs” (10), should be exiled or killed. Long ago, World War Two provoked a new aspect of morality. Adolf Hitler sparked a war when he urged to kill those who did not fit a “physical description”, much like Joseph Strorm’s idea to eradicate all Deviants. Both men determined to keep the norm of society one. They could not distinguish the differences of right and wrong. Thus, Deviants are a lot like Jews and vice versa. If Waknuk did not fully understand The Old People, one can extrapolate that they did not know of past events. Therefore, it is probable that history should repeat

itself.
Ultimately, David must learn to be moral rather than being religious in many situations. Waknuk’s beliefs have flaws and cannot survive for long. David knows his father isn’t great, and tackles situations ethically but to him, morals are valued more than beliefs.