Guidance In The Chrysalids

Guidance in the Chrysalids by John Wyndham The novel “The Chrysalids” by John Wyndham is about a boy named David who grows up in the oppressive society of Waknuk where changes are not accepted. Through Uncle Axel and his father, Joseph Strorm, he learns about the ignorance of human nature. This helps to guide him through life and develop his maturity. Hence, the author conveys that a father figure is an essential part of development in a child’s life. In the novel, David’s father, Joseph Strorm, sets the ideal image of Waknuk which allows him to determine whether he agrees with society. To begin, Joseph’s outcast brother, Gordon, wanted to see Joseph on equal terms to get revenge. Gordon is supposed to be the heir of Waknuk but is replaced

Early on, Uncle Axel discovered that David and Rosalind were communicating telepathically and decided to be understanding. “I want you to promise me that you will never, never tell anyone else what you have just told me - never. ” (Wyndham 30). Even though, this act was considered negatively in their society he embraced the idea wholeheartedly. This magnifies the friendly and trustworthy bond between them. He decides to accept David for the way that he is, gives him advice and consolation like a best friend. Whereas, Joseph Strorm does not provide any affection to his son. This allows David to assemble other telepaths and establish a group to keep their special abilities a secret. Thus, it has implemented some fears in David and influenced him to take action for corporate self-preservation as a means of survival. Another life lesson is when Uncle Axel lectured David of society’s misconceptions and explained that the definition of man does not exist. “What makes man man is mind; it’s not a thing, it’s a quality, and minds aren’t all the same value; they’re better or worse, and the better they are the more they mean.” (Wyndham 79-80). Wisely, Uncle Axel tries to convince David and justifies that Waknuk’s rules, what he was taught as a child, are wrong. He expresses that a person should be judged by their inner qualities and not their physical appearance. In addition, he explains that it’s okay to question society and develop your own opinions. This taught David to become more educated, see things in new perspectives and make smart decisions. Unlike before, David was confined to his father’s perspective which has gave him a limited understanding. Lastly, Uncle Axel advised David to kill Anne for the sake of his group members and himself. “This isn’t a nice cosy world for anyone - especially not for anyone that’s different...maybe you’re not the kind to survive it, after